Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1330-11

Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow), IS-1330-11

Application Deadline: 20 November 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $84,579 - $109,959 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: October 20, 2026
CLOSING DATE: November 20, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences (SSP)
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTIONThe Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARYThe purpose of the position is to train a postdoctoral researcher to conceive, plan, and
conduct specialized research related to small Solar System bodies and planetary defense. The incumbent conducts research aimed at improving the scientific understanding, observation, characterization, and follow-up of near-Earth objects and other small bodies relevant to planetary defense. The incumbent works with scientists at the MPC and across the CfA and contributes to the development of methods and scientific resources that connect astrometric and orbital information with follow-up observations and physical characterization.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate scientific follow-up and physical characterization activities for planetary defense

• Supports and coordinates scientific activities related to the follow-up and physical characterization of near-Earth objects and other small Solar System bodies of interest to planetary defense.
• Works with personnel at the Minor Planet Center (MPC), scientists across the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), observing facilities, survey teams, and members of the broader planetary-defense community to facilitate communication and coordination of follow-up activities. Identifies relevant, observational capabilities, and resources that can contribute to the follow-up and characterization of objects requiring additional observations.
• Facilitates the exchange of scientific information needed to coordinate observations, including information on available astrometry, orbital solutions and uncertainties, observing circumstances, existing physical characterization, and planned or ongoing follow-up activities.
• Helps coordinate the scientific response to objects requiring follow-up or characterization by bringing together the appropriate researchers, observers, facilities, and scientific information and by facilitating communication among the participating groups.

Assist in developing scientific methods, software, and data products supporting planetary-defense coordination - 30%

• Assists in the development, evaluation, and documentation of the scientific processes and resources that enable effective coordination of follow-up and physical-characterization activities.
• Works with MPC personnel, CfA researchers, observing facilities, and other members of the planetary-defense community assisting to identify the information and procedures needed to coordinate follow-up activities efficiently. Assists in developing approaches for organizing and communicating information on objects requiring follow-up, available observing opportunities, observational capabilities, existing and planned observations, and physical characterization needs.
• Contributes to the development of tools and resources that support coordination among the MPC, researchers, observers, and facilities. Assists in identifying scientific requirements for these resources and works with technical personnel, including software and web developers, to help with the accurate representation of the scientific information and workflows required by the planetary-defense community.
• Assists in the testing and evaluating procedures and resources using real or simulated planetary-defense scenarios, identifies limitations or gaps, and recommends improvements based on feedback from participating scientists and observers.

Contribute to the scientific development of planetary-defense coordination and community resources - 20%

• Contributes to the development of the CfA planetary-defense initiative and to activities intended to strengthen coordination among researchers and observers involve in near-Earth-object follow-up and characterization.
• Works with MPC personnel, CfA scientists, observers, and other members of the planetary-science community assisting to identify scientific requirements and information needed for effective follow-up and characterization of objects of planetary-defense interest.
• Assists with preparing scientific documentation, analyses, examples, visualizations, or other research resources that facilitate the interpretation and use of planetary-defense information by researchers and collaborators. Participates in scientific discussions and activities aimed at identifying opportunities for improved coordination between astrometric follow-up, orbit determination, and physical characterization.

Disseminate research results and participate in the broader scientific activities of the CfA - 15%

• Prepares scientific results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presents findings at scientific meetings, workshops, seminars, and other appropriate venues.
• Participates in the wider research and scholarly activities of the Minor Planet Center, the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences Division, and the Center for Astrophysics. Collaborates with researchers working in planetary science, small-body astronomy, astronomical surveys, and related areas.
• Supports, as appropriate, the development of proposals for research funding and assists students or other early-career researchers participating in related research activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements
A) Degree in one of a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, including course work in differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy or physics;

OR

B) A combination of education and experience equivalent to A above including at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics with required course work as shown in A above.
Additional Requirements

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11must also possess one of the following:
A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or
B. Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as conduct setup laboratory experiments and perform measurements; including but not limited to optics, detectors, and dispersive elements.
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and practices of astronomy and astrophysics, particularly as applied to small Solar System bodies and planetary science.
• Knowledge of observational astronomy and of scientific methods used to analyze astronomical data.
• Knowledge of methods for analyzing astrometric and orbital information and their application to the study of small Solar System bodies and near-Earth objects
• Knowledge of data-reduction, statistical, numerical, and computational techniques applicable to astronomical research.
• Knowledge of scientific software and web development, including the design, development, and maintenance of web-based scientific infrastructure, databases, APIs, data-processing workflows, and user-facing tools that support coordination and collaboration across the planetary science community.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies, including agentic AI architectures and AI-assisted workflows, and the ability to evaluate, integrate, and apply these technologies in the development of web-based tools, scientific communication platforms, and information-management systems.
• Ability to apply scientific, computational, and technical knowledge to develop and maintain infrastructure supporting the goals of the Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative, particularly the coordination of planetary-defense activities, follow-up observations, physical characterization, and the exchange and dissemination of scientific information.
• Ability to use computer technology and scientific programming in the analysis of astronomical data and the solution of scientific problems.
• Ability to evaluate scientific data from multiple sources, assess uncertainties and limitations, and develop or adapt analytical methods appropriate to a particular scientific problem.
• Ability to conduct scientific research may be evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or a related field.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team and to communicate scientific results through publications, presentations, and collaboration.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.