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Website Smithsonian Institution
Astrophysicist, (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11)
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Full Time
Workplace Type: Onsite
Location: Cambridge, MA
Description
OPENING DATE: September 29, 2026
CLOSING DATE: October 6, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Temporary not to exceed two years with the possibility of extension for an additional year
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident or be a national of a country eligible to be approved on an export license).
CLOSING DATE: October 6, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Temporary not to exceed two years with the possibility of extension for an additional year
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics Division
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident or be a national of a country eligible to be approved on an export license).
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution’s Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution’s Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the High Energy Astrophysics Division. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan and conduct highly specialized research in astrophysics. The incumbent will be expected to perform scholarly research, instrumentation in the lab, on sounding rockets, and on satellite payloads, plus participate in making contributions to the physical fields of science.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Conduct a program of research and scholarship in solar physics focusing on energy transfer in solar eruptions under the supervision and direction of the Principle Investigator.
- Participate in the development of new designs for space-borne, airborne or ground-based hardware. Activities may include participating in the design and development of satellite, balloon, airborne and rocket instruments for the detection and measurement of coronal radiation, analyzing experimental data, and interpreting experimental results.
- Conduct laboratory experiments, simulations and studies to evaluate the design, performance, and calibration of solar or astrophysical instruments being built at the Observatory. Assist in the development and writing of test procedures, test reports, and memoranda for dissemination throughout the instrument teams to ensure adequate documentation of the testing process.
- Assist in performing research on the Sun, heliophysics, planetary science, or astrophysics using both archival and proprietary data from space- and ground-based observations.
- Contribute to papers presenting research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at conferences. Participate in scientific meetings and conferences to discuss current research with other scientists.
- Assists in the development of software and procedures of the reduction, analysis and interpretation of data as needed; or assists in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which engaged, for example prepare papers for publication in scientific journals, prepare and present findings at scientific meetings, as required.
- Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding pertaining to solar physics, heliophysics, planetary science, and/or astrophysics.
- Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students, undergraduates or summer interns, as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:
A) Degree in one of a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics;
OR
B) A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics with required course work as shown in A above.
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:
A. Master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or
B. Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as conduct setup laboratory experiments and perform measurements; including but not limited to optics, detectors, and dispersive elements.
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
A. Master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or
B. Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as conduct setup laboratory experiments and perform measurements; including but not limited to optics, detectors, and dispersive elements.
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required
- Ability to perform scientific research as might be evidenced by a PhD
- Ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present material at professional meetings.
- Knowledge of scientific programming, modern methods of software generation, verification, and documentation.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team.
- Knowledge of the technical methods, principles and practices of the field of space physics, solar physics, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, or physics.
- Ability to utilize computer technology in the solution of scientific problems.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.”
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
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