AstroAI Fellowship

The AstroAI Fellows program seeks to advance the integration of artificial intelligence in astrophysical research by attracting exceptional early career researchers. Fellows will engage in innovative research projects at the intersection of AI and astrophysics, fostering interdisciplinary, multi-investigator, and multi-subfield collaborations. Our program aims to appoint one new postdoctoral AstroAI Fellow each academic year, for a fellowship term of a year, renewable to up to three years.

Applicants should have, or be expected to receive by the start date, a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, AI, or a related field.

The deadline to receive all the materials is October 31, 2024.

AstroAI fellows will have autonomy in choosing their research topics under the AstroAI umbrella, and will be supervised by two mentors, one from the field of astrophysics and one from AI.

The fellowship will take place at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) - a joint institution connecting the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and the Harvard College Observatory (HCO). The CfA is a diverse astrophysical institution at which more than 800 staff and students are engaged in a broad program of research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. The CfA is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. Our research covers theoretical astrophysics, observational ground and space-based astronomy, engineering and technology development, and education. The research objectives of the CfA are carried out primarily with the support of government, Smithsonian Institution, and Harvard funds, with additional philanthropic support. At the CfA, the next generation of scientific leaders are being trained and mentored through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate student programs, postdoctoral positions and fellowships.

The CfA is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a vibrant community in the greater Boston metropolitan area, known for its excellent universities, colleges, and public education, its world renowned medical facilities, a dynamic modern economy, a booming art scene, passionate sports fans, and diverse cultures. Cambridge is also within a two hour drive to great skiing, hiking in the White, Green or Berkshire mountains, and many Atlantic Ocean beaches.

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community and strongly encourages applications from members of historically marginalized groups. Funding for this position is made possible from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino.

Fellowship Summary

• Institution: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
• Number of Positions Available: 1
• Research Arrangement: In-Person
• Year 1 stipend of $81,963
• Funding for health and dental benefits for the Fellow (and dependents if applicable), which are provided at no cost to the Fellow

How to Apply

Applications must include:

• CV
• Statement of research interests
• List of publications
• Three reference letters
• Diversity statement

To Apply, please create an account at https://solaa.si.edu/.

Once the account is created "Start Your Application" and under Program Name search for "AstroAI."