The Carnegie Science Observatories and the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) solicit applications for a joint postdoctoral fellowship position in observational astronomy. The fellowship is to begin in the fall of 2027 and offers the opportunity for an outstanding early career scientist (Ph.D. January 2026 or later) to perform research for three years in Pasadena, California. Throughout the fellowship term, the Brinson Fellow will be expected to split their time evenly between the Carnegie and Caltech campuses (separated by <2 miles).
Fellows will be selected by a joint committee between the two institutions. It is anticipated that the fellow will carry out a research program that makes compelling use of the premier astronomical facilities operated by both institutions.
The fellowship offers an annual starting salary of $87,500 and a research budget of $18,500 per year.
For further information on accessible facilities, including both the Magellan and Keck telescopes, see https://carnegiescience.edu/obs/resources/astronomers and https://www.astro.caltech.edu/research/observatories.
The application consists of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, an essay describing the applicant's previous research and future research plans (up to 3 pages excluding references), and an AI disclosure statement. Applicants may optionally provide a 1 page statement explaining how their proposed research will be synergistic with Caltech and Carnegie facilities and/or astronomers, if this is not already clear from their cover letter and research proposal. Carnegie Science additionally requires a 1 page broader impact statement articulating the applicant’s past accomplishments and future plans in any of the following areas: contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, mentoring, service work, and outreach (see https://carnegiescience.edu/about/working/postdocs/obs/impact-statement-overview for more information). These materials, along with the names of three references, must be submitted by November 2, 2026. Letters of reference will be due on November 9, 2026.
The application consists of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, an essay describing the applicant's previous research and future research plans (up to 3 pages excluding references), and an AI disclosure statement. Applicants may optionally provide a 1 page statement explaining how their proposed research will be synergistic with Caltech and Carnegie facilities and/or astronomers, if this is not already clear from their cover letter and research proposal. Carnegie Science additionally requires a 1 page broader impact statement articulating the applicant’s past accomplishments and future plans in any of the following areas: contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, mentoring, service work, and outreach (see https://carnegiescience.edu/about/working/postdocs/obs/impact-statement-overview for more information). These materials, along with the names of three references, must be submitted by November 2, 2026. Letters of reference will be due on November 9, 2026.
Carnegie Institution for Science has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Carnegie scientists are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, Earth & planetary science, astronomy, and global ecology. They seek answers to questions about the structure of the universe; the formation of our Solar System and other planetary systems; the behavior and transformation of matter when subjected to extreme conditions; the origin of life; the effects of climate change on forests, oceans, and other habitats; the function of plant, animal, and microbial genomes; and the development of organisms from single-celled eggs to adults.
Andrew Carnegie founded our organization in 1902 as a place for scientific discovery. His intention was for the institution to be home to exceptional individuals—men and women with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields.
We are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and have three scientific divisions split between the coasts, as well as observatories in Chile. We are an endowed, independent, nonprofit institution. Significant additional support comes from federal grants and private donations. A board of trustees, consisting of leaders in business, the sciences, education, and public service, oversees Carnegie’s operations. Each of division has its own scientific director who manages under the leadership of President Eric Isaacs.
