Academics & Opportunities

The Center for Astrophysics (CfA) provides world-class opportunities for academic training and career development in astrophysics. It is home to the Harvard University Department of Astronomy, which features both graduate and undergraduate programs, as well as to the SAO pre-doctoral program, numerous undergraduate summer research programs, and superb opportunities for post-doctoral studies.

The CfA provides a dynamic range of weekly luncheons, prestigious colloquia, journal clubs, daily coffees, divisional get-togethers and many other formal and informal opportunities for the exchange of ideas and professional development in a diverse scientific community.

Graduate, Undergraduate & Internship Programs

The Center for Astrophysics offers many opportunities for both Harvard students and those from other institutions to participate in research projects with CfA scientists as paid work, part of a degree program, or summer internships.

Explore Graduate & Undergraduate Programs

Fellowships & Visiting Scientist Positions

The CfA offers several postdoctoral fellowships and a visiting scientist program, designed to facilitate collaborative research. Nearly 350 Smithsonian and Harvard scientists work cooperatively in an environment that welcomes the ideas and contributions of young scientists.

Research programs include instrumentation, observation, and theory in atomic and molecular physics, geophysics, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Techniques used range from computer simulations through observations across the bandwidths, to instrument development and laboratory experiments.

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Mentoring Programs

The CfA has launched the Mentoring Constellations program for all affiliates, from employees to students. The Mentoring Constellations program is designed to provide high quality mentoring that helps participants achieve their full professional potential, while also building a stronger sense of community. The CfA ran an informative pilot program during the spring of 2024 and are implementing best practices appropriate for the CfA community. The program will also be active at all CfA facilities, including those in Arizona and Hawai'i. Mentoring Constellations will be accepting new participants every six months.

Mentoring Constellations Program

SAO Employment Opportunities

A current vacancy listing for employment opportunities in scientific, technical, and administrative positions, including both Federal and Trust appointments, is maintained by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Human Resources Department. (Please note that the SAO department is separate from HCO).

Explore SAO Employment Opportunities

Permanent Track Positions

A current listing of employment opportunities for permanent positions.

Explore Tenure Track and Permanent Track Positions.

The CfA does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, cultural background or tradition, biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical ability, or any other protected classification.

As a Clay Fellow at the CfA, I was introduced to the world-class Magellan Telescopes. Not only did it enable me to obtain ground-breaking results about ancient dwarf galaxies, I also fell in love with observing and the Atacama Desert in Chile. These days, I am fortunate to be able to continue my research with Magellan and love taking undergraduates to the telescopes and teach them what it means to collect astronomical data.

- Anna Frebel, 2008 Clay Fellow