2021 SMA Postdoctoral Fellowships

Applications are now being accepted for Submillimeter Array Postdoctoral Fellowships to begin in Fall 2021.  The Submillimeter Array (SMA) is a pioneering radio interferometer designed for arc-second imaging in the submillimeter spectrum.  SMA science spans an impressive array of fields, ranging from our solar system, through imaging of gas and dust and tracing magnetic fields in stellar nurseries and planet-forming disks, to exploration of nearby galaxies and imaging of dusty star forming galaxies at high redshifts, and to time domain flux monitoring observations of compact objects.  In addition to its outstanding record in astronomical research, the SMA is a world leader in the design of wide-bandwidth, high-frequency radio receivers and correlators for astronomy.  The SMA recently commissioned a significant upgrade to its correlator to process up to 48 GHz of total bandwidth at a uniform spectral resolution of 140 kHz across the entire processed spectral range.

We expect to offer one or more SMA Postdoctoral Fellowships to begin in Fall 2021.  These positions are aimed chiefly at research and instrument development in millimeter and submillimeter astronomy. Successful candidates will participate in observations with the SMA, research in their interpretation, and/or development of instrumentation.  While the SMA fellowships are intended primarily for research associated with and motivated by the SMA, our main offices at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian as well as our Hilo, HI offices provide Fellows with unique opportunities.  We encourage development of collaborations within the wider CfA, national, and international communities, and holders of SMA Fellowships enjoy extraordinary freedom in structuring their own research activities.

Applicants must have a recent PhD in astronomy or a related field before starting the Fellowship.

Application information and instructions can be found at:  https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/opportunities/fellowships/sma/

Online applications are due at the end of day Thursday, October 15, 2020.

The SMA is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Taipei, Taiwan.  The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, a part of Center for Astrophysics, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer where all qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, creed, national origin or gender.

The CfA is a supportive environment for many active STEM outreach and educational programs at the local and national level, especially those reaching underserved communities.  We also conduct research on effectiveness of such innovations and offer professional development opportunities to enhance proficiency in communication and teaching.