Smithsonian Institution
Astrophysicist, (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11)
Smithsonian Institution, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Astrophysicist, (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11)
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $83,742 – $108,859 / year
Application Deadline: 23 January 2026
Overview Open to all eligible candidates. Trust Fund position (Non‑Federal), temporary not to exceed two years with possible extension for a third year. Located in Cambridge, MA.
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian; paid from a variety of sources and include a benefits program that may include health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan.
This Astrophysicist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) will conduct scientific research in two areas: 1) support the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and next‑generation EHT (ngEHT) projects, analyzing high‑frequency VLBI data to probe black hole physics; 2) investigate techno‑signatures in archival EHT data.
Duties
Conduct a research program in EHT/ngEHT science, engineering, or array enhancement and a program of techno‑signature modeling and detection under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
Publish and present findings in scientific journals and meetings.
Develop research funding proposals.
Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the CfA.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Qualifications Basic Requirements:
Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics, with coursework including differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR a combination of education and at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in these fields with the required coursework plus relevant experience.
For Grade 11, one of the following:
Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least Grade 9.
Combination of graduate education and equivalent experience.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Technical methods and practices of radio astrophysics, VLBI, black hole physics, techno‑signature modeling, or digital signal processing.
Computational proficiency to solve scientific problems.
Scientific research capability evidenced by a Ph.D. or equivalent.
Team collaboration skills.
Publication record.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Smithsonian Institution is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities and encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Equal Opportunity Statement The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a workforce comprising diverse educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
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Application Deadline: 23 January 2026
Overview Open to all eligible candidates. Trust Fund position (Non‑Federal), temporary not to exceed two years with possible extension for a third year. Located in Cambridge, MA.
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian; paid from a variety of sources and include a benefits program that may include health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 403b retirement plan.
This Astrophysicist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) will conduct scientific research in two areas: 1) support the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and next‑generation EHT (ngEHT) projects, analyzing high‑frequency VLBI data to probe black hole physics; 2) investigate techno‑signatures in archival EHT data.
Duties
Conduct a research program in EHT/ngEHT science, engineering, or array enhancement and a program of techno‑signature modeling and detection under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
Publish and present findings in scientific journals and meetings.
Develop research funding proposals.
Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the CfA.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Qualifications Basic Requirements:
Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics, with coursework including differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR a combination of education and at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in these fields with the required coursework plus relevant experience.
For Grade 11, one of the following:
Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least Grade 9.
Combination of graduate education and equivalent experience.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Technical methods and practices of radio astrophysics, VLBI, black hole physics, techno‑signature modeling, or digital signal processing.
Computational proficiency to solve scientific problems.
Scientific research capability evidenced by a Ph.D. or equivalent.
Team collaboration skills.
Publication record.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Smithsonian Institution is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities and encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Equal Opportunity Statement The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a workforce comprising diverse educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
#J-18808-Ljbffr