About the position
Position Description The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) invites applications from highly qualified individuals for permanent-track research astronomer openings. These positions are analogous to tenure-track assistant professorships. To leverage next-generation telescopes and research opportunities, SAO will consider outstanding candidates in all fields of astronomy and astrophysics, as well as in adjacent fields that advance the CfA's strategic priorities. Examples include Earth remote sensing, molecular physics, and other areas of physical science closely connected to SAO's research programs and facilities. Applications in these areas are welcome and will receive full consideration. Junior- and mid-career scientists with an established track record of major scientific achievement are encouraged to apply. SAO and the Harvard College Observatory together form the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), one of the world’s leading astrophysical research institutions. More than 800 staff and students are engaged in a broad program of research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth, planetary, and space sciences. CfA research spans star, galaxy, and planet formation and evolution; solar and stellar astrophysics; cosmology; high-energy astrophysics; planetary science; and laboratory astrophysics. The CfA Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) develops state-of-the-art theoretical and computational approaches to questions ranging from galaxy formation and large-scale structure to black holes, the first stars, exoplanets, and the search for life. SAO has multidisciplinary engineering and project management teams that enable CfA scientists to develop new ground-based instrumentation and space-based experiments and missions essential to advancing astronomical and astrophysical research. SAO’s engineering organization includes expertise in mechanical, structural, thermal, electrical, optical, and systems engineering, providing a comprehensive approach to technology design and development. The Project Management Office provides project management for ground- and space-based programs, including programs conducted in partnership with NASA and other federal agencies. SAO also provides internal support for innovation, research and development, and the development of new instrumentation and mission concepts. Permanent-track astronomers will be appointed for a four-year term, with extensions of up to two years. Following a formal review of scholarly achievement, leadership, service, and mentorship at the end of the fourth year, the astronomer will be considered for appointment to a permanent Federal position. Permanent Federal employment requires eligibility for permanent employment in the United States. Successful candidates are expected to develop and lead vibrant, independent research programs and contribute to SAO’s research, community, education, and public-engagement missions. SAO will provide a highly competitive support package, including a twelve-month salary based on experience and qualifications; an annual research discretionary allowance; funds to support a research group; access to internal funding for innovation, bids and proposals, research and development, travel, visitors, conferences, and workshops; office space; and access to CfA observational facilities and partnerships. CfA scientists have access to major ground- and space-based facilities and programs. These include the Submillimeter Array (SMA) in Hawaii, the MMT Observatory and Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in Arizona, and access to the Magellan Telescopes in Chile. SAO is a partner in the Giant Magellan Telescope and leads or plays major roles in programs including the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Event Horizon Telescope and next-generation Event Horizon Telescope, TEMPO, SWEAP on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, HelioSwarm, and MUSE. Applicants must have a doctorate or terminal degree in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline and a significant record of independent research accomplishment for at least three years beyond the Ph.D. Candidates are encouraged to apply by December 4, 2026; applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Successful candidates will receive a competitive starting salary, fully funded health and dental benefits, and annual funds to launch and sustain an independent research program. These funds may support fellows and other research personnel, engineering support, travel, training, and other research activities. Additional support includes a relocation allowance and access to technical staff for instrumentation development. Candidates will have opportunities to serve as Principal Investigators on externally funded research, host workshops and visitors, participate in leadership opportunities, and receive mentoring and support from senior colleagues. They will also have opportunities to establish mentoring relationships with CfA researchers and advise postdoctoral researchers. While there are no formal classroom teaching requirements, ample opportunities exist to participate in education and public-engagement activities across the Smithsonian, Harvard, and Boston-area communities. SAO Permanent Track Research Astronomer Opening Key Responsibilities - Conduct original and innovative research in astronomy or astrophysics or a closely related field, demonstrating the ability to work independently and collaboratively. - Publish research results in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals. - Secure external funding to support research activities. - Contribute to the development of new research initiatives and programs within SAO and the CfA. - Supervise and mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. - Contribute to the research, community, education, and public-engagement mission of SAO and the CfA. Qualifications - A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field. - At least three years of research experience beyond the Ph.D. - Experience in observational, theoretical, experimental, or computational astronomy or astrophysics, or a related physical science. - A strong record of independent research accomplishments, including peer-reviewed publications. - Demonstrated ability to develop and secure support for a research program. - Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across disciplines. Additional Information Position Type: Permanent-track Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian) Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications How to Apply To receive consideration, applicants must provide the following: - Cover letter - Curriculum Vitae - For each of up to five of your publications, describe in up to 100 words its impact and relevance to your field. Publications can include works where you are not the lead author but were the primary contributor. - Research Overview, consisting of two sections: “Summary of Previous and Current Research” and “Future Research.” The Research Overview is limited to SIX pages, including tables and figures. References should be placed at the end and do not count toward the page limit. Applicants should include the relevance of their proposed research program to the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. - Community, education, and public engagement statement, limited to TWO pages - Names of three referees Application Deadline All applications received by Friday, December 4, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Reasonable Accommodation The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@sao.si.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 at: https://www.si.edu/OEEMA/IndividualswithDisabilities Equal Employment Opportunity SAO is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of its members. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, including women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people from underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities. The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status, or marital status of any applicant. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO and CfA websites for additional information: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu and https://sao.si.edu/
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