Astrophysicist; Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Final date to receive applications: 20 November 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

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

OPENING DATE:
October 20, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
November 20, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION:
Trust Fund (Non-Federal)

DIVISION:
Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences (SSP)

LOCATION:

Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
This position is open to all eligible candidates.

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 (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• 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.

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 purpose of the position is to train a postdoctoral researcher to conceive, plan, and conduct specialized research related to small Solar System bodies and planetary defense. The incumbent conducts research aimed at improving the scientific understanding, observation, characterization, and follow-up of near-Earth objects and other small bodies relevant to planetary defense. The incumbent works with scientists at the MPC and across the CfA and contributes to the development of methods and scientific resources that connect astrometric and orbital information with follow-up observations and physical characterization.

• Supports and coordinates scientific activities related to the follow-up and physical characterization of near-Earth objects and other small Solar System bodies of interest to planetary defense.
• Works with personnel at the Minor Planet Center (MPC), scientists across the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), observing facilities, survey teams, and members of the broader planetary-defense community to facilitate communication and coordination of follow-up activities. Identifies relevant, observational capabilities, and resources that can contribute to the follow-up and characterization of objects requiring additional observations.
• Facilitates the exchange of scientific…