Description

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is a joint institution connecting the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and the Harvard College Observatory (HCO). The CfA is a diverse astrophysical institution at which more than 800 staff and students are engaged in a broad program of research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and Earth and space sciences. The CfA is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. Our research covers theoretical astrophysics, observational ground and space-based astronomy, engineering and technology development, and education. The research objectives of the CfA are carried out primarily with the support of government, Smithsonian Institution, and Harvard funds, with additional philanthropic support. At the CfA, the next generation of scientific leaders are being trained and mentored through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate student programs, postdoctoral positions and fellowships.

AstroAI is an institute dedicated to AI driven research in astrophysics at the CfA. AstroAI strives to bring experts in artificial intelligence together with scientists to tackle the most exciting and challenging problems in astrophysics. By facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations and drawing on the expertise of the Smithsonian, Harvard and Boston area science communities, AstroAI hopes to advance our understanding of the universe and drive forward technology that will revolutionize and accelerate scientific discovery at the CfA.

The AstroAI Summer Internship is a 10-week research program where students take on an astrophysics research project within the AstroAI group. The program brings together young researchers from the US and abroad to a collaborative space that is incredibly successful at achieving collaborations both between the AstroAI students, and also between them and other members of the CfA community. AstroAI summer interns will work side-by side with world-renowned experts on AI as it applies to astronomy and the physical sciences, on topics that are having significant impact on the field. In previous summers, several of the interns worked on generative approaches to extract information from large and complex astronomical datasets and simulations in order to tackle pressing problems in cosmology, exoplanet science, high energy astrophysics, and large language models.

AstroAI Summer Interns are expected to work at the Center for Astrophysics (Cambridge, MA) for the full duration of the program. We house our interns in Harvard’s graduate student dormitory facilities. The 2026 summer session is expected to run for ten weeks, starting Sunday, May 31 (move-in day) and ending Sunday, August 9. These dates are subject to change without notice, depending on availability of housing.

The application is expected to close on February 10, 2026 at 11:59:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

Application Materials:

• personal statement, maximum 2 pages
• unofficial copy of transcript(s)
• 2 letters of recommendation
• CV

Some Instructions Regarding Letters of Recommendation:

The letters of recommendation are essential elements of your application. Make sure that you ask your recommenders long enough in advance of the deadline that they have adequate time to write your letters and submit them. Double-check your recommender’s contact information for accuracy. They will be contacted using the email address you enter, exactly as you enter it.

Instructions Regarding Transcripts:

• Make sure that your name appears on each transcript.
• Black out your SSN, date of birth, and address.
• IMPORTANT: Save all transcripts to a single PDF file.

Instructions Regarding the Essay:

• The essay is to be a maximum of two pages in 12-point font, saved as a PDF.
• Your name should appear at the top of each page (in the margin is OK).

Important notes:

Our interns will receive a stipend. Housing will be provided free of charge for the duration of the internship.

Contact details:

Dr. Joshua Wing

astroai-intern@cfa.harvard.edu