ITC Fellowship

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. One of the primary objectives of the ITC is to integrate conceptual theory with computational modeling. We are, therefore, interested in candidates working in any field related to theoretical and/or numerical astrophysics. The successful candidate will have access to our new computing facilities and will have the opportunity to interact and work with researchers in both the Harvard College Observatory (HCO) and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).

We welcome applicants, who as a component of their research statement, discuss their experience in mentoring, outreach, and teaching.

Current senior members of the ITC include Harvard faculty Charles Alcock, Xingang Chen, Charlie Conroy, Liam Connor, Daniel Eisenstein, Doug Finkbeiner, Lars Hernquist, Alyssa Goodman, John Johnson, Lisa Kewley (CfA Director), John Kovac, Avi Loeb (ITC Director), Morgan MacLeod, Ramesh Narayan, Karin Oberg, Dimitar Sasselov, Irwin Shapiro, Chris Stubbs, and Ashley Villar; as well as SAO scientists Rosanne Di Stefano, Matt Holman, Eric Keto, Fabio, Pacucci, Mark Reid, Alexey Vikhlinin, and Catherine Zucker.

The nominal starting date is September 1, 2026, but an earlier appointment is possible. The position is for one year, renewable for a second and third year, contingent on performance and funding.

Please submit applications electronically at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/15143 by 6:00pm EST, November 1, 2025

Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. AAE/EOE

Deadline: 6:00 pm EDT, November 1, 2025

All the following online application materials are due by the November 1, 2025 deadline:

PLEASE NOTE: Completion of the Ph.D. is required to begin a Postdoctoral Fellowship; successful candidates who have received their degree within three years of the effective start date of the fellowship must provide verification of their Ph.D.

Application Instructions

All application materials are due by the above deadline. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions tab before beginning the online application.

Applicants should submit the following:

• cover letter
• CV
• list of publications
• research proposal explaining research interests (no page limit)
• Please also provide contact information for three references

All reference letters MUST be received by the application deadline of 6:00 pm EDT, November 1, 2025.

Application Portal

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex or national origin.

How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online from September 1, 2025 to November 1, 2025, 18:00 EDT.

When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 1, 2025, 18:00 EDT. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications and/or applications received after November 1, 2024 will not be considered.

Do I need to have finished my Ph.D. to apply?
You may apply in the final year of your doctoral program, but you must satisfy all the requirements of the Ph.D. before you begin your fellowship, including successfully defending your thesis. If you will have finished your degree within three years of the effective start date of the fellowship, you will need to provide verification of completing your Ph.D.

If I am also applying for other fellowships at the CfA, do I need to have separate letters of recommendation sent for each fellowship, or will they be shared?
Letters of recommendation received for the ITC Postdoctoral Fellowship will not be shared with other fellowships at the CfA and vice-versa.

What format is required for uploading files?
Files should be in pdf format. If this is not possible, plain text is also acceptable.

If my password does not work, what should I do?
For technical support please contact - academicpositions@harvard.edu

What if I decide to withdraw my application?
If you want to withdraw your application, send an email to itcpostdoc@cfa.harvard.edu stating your full name and which fellowship application you wish to withdraw.

What if I have other questions?
Please e-mail all inquiries to itcpostdoc@cfa.harvard.edu.