Astrophysicist; Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Astrophysicist (Post Doctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11)

Join to apply for the Astrophysicist (Post Doctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11) role at Smithsonian Institution

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year

Final date to receive applications: 30 January 2026

This is a time-limited position for an Astrophysicist (Post-doctoral Research Fellow) in the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee works under the direction of an Astrophysicist within the Division. The purpose of this position is to train postdoctoral researchers to conceive, plan, and conduct highly specialized research in the incumbent's area of expertise.

• Participate in and carry out scientific research and scholarship involving a program of high-resolution spectroscopy and high angular resolution studies on supernova remnants.
• Participate in the preparation and submission of proposals for studies using appropriate space-based facilities such as Chandra, XRISM, XMM-Newton, JWST, Roman, etc.
• Participate in analysis and interpretation of ground-based optical observations of supernovae and supernova remnants.
• Prepare papers, present research results for publication in scientific meetings journals and presentation ticipate in meetings and conferences to discuss current research and to exchange ideas with other scientists.
• Utilize advanced numerical and statistical methods to apply complex spectral and spatial models to the Chandra, XRISM, and XMM-Newton data.
• Give advice on analysis techniques and scientific approaches to others working on the same or related projects as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements:

• Degree in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The coursework must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
• OR a combination of education and experience – at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required coursework as above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition, candidates must possess one of the following:

• A master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or
• Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation; or
• Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Knowledge of the technical methods, principles and practices of the fields of physics/astrophysics.
• Ability to perform scientific research as may be evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize spectral fitting with complex models in XSPEC or SPEX using advanced methods.
• Ability to present findings in a publishable format and to present material at professional meetings.
• Ability to apply modern computer technology to the solution of scientific programs.
• Knowledge of scientific programming, modern methods of software generation, verification, and documentation.

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.

• 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.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hrvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..