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Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
4 days ago
Postdoctoral Fellow in Time-Domain Astrophysics and Instrumentation Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Spectroscopy
Funding
Three-year postdoctoral appointment with an annual stipend of $84,500, plus health and dental benefits and internal funding opportunities for workshops and visiting scientists.
Deadline
Feb 12, 2027
Country
United States
University
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
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Keywords
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About this position
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian invites applications for a postdoctoral appointment with Dr. Danielle Frostig at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The position sits at the interface of time-domain astrophysics and astronomical instrumentation, with a research program built around rapid-response observing and the development of new facilities.
The postdoc will work with Boombox, a new low-resolution, high-throughput optical spectrograph for the MMT and Magellan telescopes, and may also contribute to future infrared imagers and the Giant Magellan Telescope’s GMACS spectrograph. Boombox is designed for rapid interrupts and large-scale transient spectroscopy, opening opportunities to study the earliest light from events such as kilonovae, as well as unusual transients and young stellar outbursts.
The group also includes science with WINTER, a robotic near-infrared survey camera at Palomar Observatory. The successful candidate can shape the role toward science planning, scientific analysis, instrument integration and commissioning, or a combination of these directions. The appointment includes access to CfA observatories and facilities, engineering and technical support, and a collaborative research environment spanning observational, laboratory, and instrument-development work.
The postdoc is expected to publish refereed research, contribute to the CfA community, and gain experience in mentoring and student supervision. The role is well suited to a researcher interested in building a program that connects transient astronomy with cutting-edge instrumentation.
Funding details
Three-year postdoctoral appointment with an annual stipend of $84,500, plus health and dental benefits and internal funding opportunities for workshops and visiting scientists.
What's required
Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, physics, engineering, or a related field by the start date. Experience in one or more of the following is sought: time-domain observations or data analysis (including transients, variable stars, or gravitational-wave follow-up), optical or infrared instrumentation (including optical design, alignment, spectrographs, detectors, lab testing, or commissioning), or instrument software (control systems, real-time processing, or data-reduction pipelines). Experience in both science and instrumentation is a plus but not required.
How to apply
Upload a cover letter, CV with publication list and ORCID iD, and a research statement through AcademicJobsOnline. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted directly through AJO by the reference writers.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.