Astrophysicist; Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $84,579 - $109,959 / year

Final date to receive applications: 20 May 2026

Job Title: Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow)

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) works in partnership with Harvard College Observatory as part of the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is a world‑leading center for astrophysics research and instrumentation. This post‑doctoral research fellowship trains scholars to conduct advanced research in astrophysics and artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on exoplanet atmospheric characterization.

• Conduct research and scholarship in differentiable retrieval methods for exoplanet atmospheres under the direction of the Principal Investigator, including scalable atmospheric retrieval across expanding molecular libraries.
• Assist in developing software and analytical procedures for modeling, reducing, analyzing, and interpreting synthetic and observed exoplanet spectra, implementing differentiable forward models, Hamiltonian Monte Carlo methods, and differential rendering approaches.
• Disseminate research results by preparing papers for scientific journals and presenting findings at conferences and meetings.
• Support development of proposals for research funding and related project materials as required.
• Engage in collaborative research activities within the Astro
  
  AI group, the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and partner institutions such as MIT and Northeastern University.
• Mentor and assist junior researchers and summer students in related tasks as appropriate.

• Degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics, with coursework including differential and integral calculus and a minimum of 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.

• Master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree; OR

• Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression, with demonstrated proficiency in AI‑driven astronomy and generative models for astronomical data; OR

• Combination of graduate education and experience equivalent to the above.

• Knowledge of technical methods, principles, and practices of astrophysics, scientific machine learning, and computational modeling applicable to exoplanet atmospheric retrieval.
• Knowledge of data analysis, probabilistic inference, and numerical optimization techniques for interpreting astronomical spectra.
• Ability to utilize advanced computational methods and computer technology to solve scientific problems.
• Ability to perform independent scientific research, evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D. in an appropriate field.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research group spanning astrophysics, spectroscopy, and AI.

• 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.
• Position available to all candidates eligible to work in the United States; proof of eligibility is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. 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)..