Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Position ID:
SmithsonianAstrophys-PTRA [#30913]
Position Title:
Permanent Track Research Astronomer
Position Type:
Government or industry
Position Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Appl Deadline:
2025/12/20 11:59PM
* (posted 2025/10/17, listed until 2025/12/20)
* (posted 2025/10/17, listed until 2025/12/20)Position Description:
Position Description
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) invites applications from highly qualified individuals for a permanent-track research astronomer opening as an optical-infrared scientist and instrument specialist. This position is analogous to a tenure-track assistant professorship. To leverage next-generation telescopes and research opportunities with the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) as well as planned optical/IR space missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory, SAO is prioritizing optical/infrared instrumentation development for new ground and space facilities. Junior and mid-career scientists with an established track record of major scientific achievement and instrumentation development are encouraged to apply. The SAO is a member of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard and Smithsonian (CfA). Led by Director Lisa Kewley, the CfA is a major astrophysical institution at which 800 staff and students are engaged in a broad program of research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. CfA’s research includes star, galaxy, and planet formation and evolution, solar and stellar astrophysics, cosmology, and laboratory astrophysics. The CfA Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) is developing state-of-the-art simulations of galaxy formation in the universe, large-scale structure in the universe, black holes and accretion of gas around these objects, the first stars, the search for life, and planet formation. The SAO has multidisciplinary engineering and project management teams that allow CfA astronomers to develop new ground-based instrumentation, flight, rocket, and satellite missions essential for advancing astronomical research. The 70-person SAO engineering team includes experts in mechanical, structural, thermal, electrical, optical, and systems engineering, ensuring a comprehensive approach to technology design and construction. The Project Management Office delivers industry-standard project management for ground and space technology programs, aligned with NASA standards for space missions. The SAO offers incubator-style innovation design labs to develop instrumentation and telescope ideas into fundable proposals. Permanent-track astronomers will be appointed for a four-year term with extensions of up to two years. Following a formal review of your achievement in science and instrumentation development, leadership, service, and mentorship at the end of the fourth year, the candidate will be considered for a permanent Federal position, which will require eligibility for permanent employment in the U.S. The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead a vibrant, independent research and instrumentation development program and contribute to the community, education and public engagement mission of SAO. SAO will provide a highly competitive support package, including a twelve-month stipend based on experience and qualifications; an annual research discretionary allowance; funds to support a research group; access to internal funds to support innovation, bids & proposals, research & development, travel, visitors, conferences, and workshops; office space; and access to CfA telescopes including telescope time on the Multiple Mirror Telescope in Arizona, the Magellan Telescope in Chile, the Submillimeter Array in Hawaii, and a range of telescopes at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory. SAO is a partner in the GMT and is actively developing a number of instruments for this next generation facility including a high precision spectrograph to detect biomarkers on habitable planets (G-CLEF), an innovative sensor system to keep the telescope mirrors aligned (AGWS), and a transformative wide area workhorse spectrograph (GMACS). Applicants must have a Doctorate or terminal degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or related discipline and a significant record of independent research accomplishment and optical/infrared instrumentation development. Candidates are encouraged to apply by December 20, 2025; applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. Successful candidates will receive a competitive starting stipend, fully funded health and dental benefits, and annual funds to launch an independent research program. These funds can support fellows (pre- and post-doc), engineering support, travel, training, and other research activities. Additional benefits include a relocation allowance and access to technical staff for instrumentation development. Candidates will also have opportunities to propose as a Principal Investigator for external support, host workshops, and visitors, participate in leadership opportunities, and receive mentoring and support from senior colleagues. Furthermore, they will establish mentoring relationships with CfA researchers and advise postdoctoral researchers. While there are no formal classroom teaching expectations, ample opportunities exist to engage in education and outreach activities across the Smithsonian, Harvard and Boston communities. SAO Permanent Track Research Astronomer Openings Key Responsibilities: Conduct original and innovative research in astronomy or astrophysics and lead optical/infrared instrument development, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively. Publish 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 the observatory. Supervise and mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. Contribute to the community, education, and public engagement mission of the CfA. Qualifications: A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, engineering, or a closely related field. Experience working in observational or experimental astronomy, especially instrument development for optical and infrared facilities. A strong record of research accomplishments, including peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated ability to secure research funding. Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across disciplines. Additional Information: Position Type: Permanent-track. Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (part of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian). Stipend: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. How to Apply: To receive consideration, applicants must provide the following: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae List of publications, including ORCID Research Overview, consisting of two sections: “Summary of Previous and Current Research” and “Future Research” (limited to SIX pages, including tables and figures. References should be placed at the end and do not count towards page limit). The relevance of the research program to the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian must be included. Community, education, and public engagement statement (limited to TWO pages. Names of three referees. Application Deadline: All applications received by December 20, 2025, will receive full consideration, but applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled. SAO is proud of its welcoming and collaborative workplace environment that values teamwork and innovation. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Reasonable Accommodation The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.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. 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 website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/ Application Materials Required: Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application: • Cover letter • Curriculum Vitae • Research statement • Publication list • 3-5 Keywords from the Unified Astronomy Thesaurus (https://astrothesaurus.org/thesaurus/alphabetical-browse/) • Community, Education, and Public Engagement Statement • Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses)Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Publication list
- 3-5 Keywords from the Unified Astronomy Thesaurus (https://astrothesaurus.org/thesaurus/alphabetical-browse/)
- Community, Education, and Public Engagement Statement
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
Further Info: