We invite applications for recent or soon-to-be Ph.D. graduates for postdoctoral fellowships to work on the Via Project. We expect to have 1-2 positions available. The position(s) will offer the opportunity to conduct an innovative and independent research program in any area of astrophysics enabled by Via Survey, expected to start operations in 2027-28. The Via Survey is a forthcoming spectroscopic survey designed to achieve 100 m/s radial velocity stability for millions of faint stars across the full sky while reaching LSST’s single visit depth for transient spectroscopy, opening a new observational regime at the intersection of dark matter physics, galaxy formation, and time-domain astrophysics. 

Applicants will have the opportunity to take up the position at one or more Via partner institutions: Carnegie Observatories (Pasadena, CA), Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (Cambridge, MA), Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA), or Yale University (New Haven, CT). The location(s) of the fellowship will be negotiated with the individual applicant.

Via Fellows will be members of the Via Collaboration with access to Via data, and will have the opportunity to work on any of the core science pillars: stellar streams, dwarf galaxies, cold gas, or transient astronomy, or on any other ancillary science topic enabled by Via data, and will have the opportunity to contribute to Via commissioning, observations, and data analysis. The Via Project and Via Survey are described in the Via Science Book.

The Via Fellowship will have a term of up to four years, preferably split equally between two Via Partner Institutions. Fellows will be encouraged to collaborate broadly with Via core team members at multiple institutions. 

The position offers excellent salary and benefits, and will provide support for observing, travel, computing and publications. The observing and computational facilities at each host institution will be accessible for the entire duration of the position. 

Further information on the host institutions is available at 

• carnegiescience.edu/obs 

• cfa.harvard.edu

• kipac.stanford.edu

• astro.yale.edu

Candidates should have a recent Ph.D. in astronomy or physics (generally granted between 2024-2027) or expect to receive the degree prior to starting their appointment.

Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a 3-page statement of research interests and plans, including plans for engaging with the Via Project, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation submitted to the same site. The application form requests information about which host institutions the applicant will consider. We encourage applicants to provide any further information about their preferred host institutions in the cover letter. In general, we encourage applicants to follow the structure of the AAS advice on the contents of CVs and research statements: https://jobregister.aas.org/postdoc-application-guidelines.

The deadline for applications and letters of recommendation is Friday, December 11, 2026 (by midnight Eastern Time). Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.