About the CfA

Research

Events

Opportunities

The Clay Fellowship
This postdoctoral research fellowship is available at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Cambridge, MA, beginning in the summer or autumn of each year. Research programs at the CfA include instrumentation, observation, and theory in atomic and molecular physics, geophysics, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Techniques used range from computer simulations through observations in the radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, X- and gamma-ray bands, to instrument development and laboratory experiments.

CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship
Recent Ph.D. recipients in atomic and molecular physics, geophysics, the solar system, astronomy, astrophysics or cosmology, with interests in theory, observation, instrumentation and/or laboratory research are invited to apply for the CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship.

The Firestone Fellowship
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Firestone Fellowship, funded by the Roger S. Firestone Foundation, encourages Ph.D. recipients with research interests in observations, instrumentation, and/or data acquisition, to apply for the 2005 Firestone Fellowship. We are particularly seeking applicants having experience with modern astronomical instrumentation and advanced observing strategies.

W.M. Keck Foundation Fellowships
Applications are invited for the W.M. Keck Foundation Fellowships on topics related to galaxy formation and evolution. This program, led by Drs. Charles Alcock, Giovanni Fazio, and Lars Hernquist, anticipates award of multiple appointments.

The Menzel Fellowship
The Department of Astronomy and the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), within the Center for Astrophysics (CfA), announce the new Donald H. Menzel Postdoctoral Fellowship in Astrophysics. Candidates with an exceptional record of research in all fields of astrophysics, particularly theory, are encouraged to apply.

Visiting Scientist Program
The CfA has a Visiting Scientist Program designed to facilitate the scholarly exchange of scientific information in the areas of atomic and molecular physics; infrared, optical, radio, and X-ray astronomy; planetary sciences; geophysics; solar and stellar physics; and theoretical astrophysics. This program annually attracts many international and national visitors who come for a well-defined scientific purpose, including collaboration with specific individuals, study of unique data, or use of specialized facilities.

SAO Predoctoral Fellowship Program
SAO announces the availability of predoctoral fellowships beginning in July. Fellowships are designed to allow students from other institutions throughout the world to do their thesis research at SAO. A wide variety of research projects may be proposed, with about 200 SAO scientific staff available as research advisors, drawing from the seven research divisions at the Center for Astrophysics.

Undergraduate Employment
There are numerous opportunities within the Center for Astrophysics for Harvard undergraduates to participate in research projects, either as paid work or as part of their degree program. CfA scientists may post research positions available for undergraduates at the CfA, while Harvard undergraduates seeking jobs may post information about themselves, announcing their interest in such positions.

SAO Summer Intern Program
SAO offers a 10-week summer science research intern program for college undergraduates. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution and undergraduate students interested in careers in the physical sciences or science education are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and enrolled in a degree program leading to a Bachelor's degree.