Carnegie Observatories operates three post-doctoral fellowship programs in theoretical astrophysics: the Carnegie Theoretical Astrophysics Center (CTAC) Fellowship, the Carnegie-Caltech Theoretical Astrophysics Fellowship, and the Carnegie-USC Theoretical Astrophysics Fellowship. All are available for the October 30, 2026 application deadline for fellowships beginning in fall 2027.
All fellows are expected to pursue research topics of their choice. Scientific computing resources available include our 19% share in the Resnick HPC Center at Caltech in addition to local computing resources. Based in Pasadena, between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology, the Observatories provides an exceptional research environment and access to resources for theorists, observers, and instrumentalists alike. Each fellowship provides ample support for travel, computing, and publications. See more about theoretical focus, scientific staff, and postdocs at https://ctac.carnegiescience.edu/
If you are interested in having Carnegie host your Hubble, Jansky, NSF, or other fellowship, please contact Dr. Anthony Piro at ctacfelow@carnegiescience.edu. Externally funded fellows have full access to Carnegie’s computing facilities described above.
Details of each fellowship program are outlined below.
Carnegie Theoretical Astrophysics Center (CTAC) Fellowship (deadline Oct. 30, 2026)
The fellowship is intended to encourage long-term research in theoretical astrophysics, particularly in areas related to the ongoing efforts at the Observatories in star/galaxy/black hole formation and evolution, explosive transient events, and cosmology. Fellows are expected to carry out an independent program of research that complements and enhances both the theoretical and observational activities of the observatory - collaboration with observational colleagues is a key goal of the Fellowship. CTAC Fellows have full access to Carnegie's computational resources. The fellowship is awarded for two years and may be renewed for an additional third year. The successful applicant must have completed the Ph.D. requirements before assuming the fellowship. Please send any inquiries to Dr. Anthony Piro at ctacfellow@carnegiescience.edu
For additional CTAC fellowship details, please visit: Link Coming Soon!
Carnegie-Caltech Theoretical Astrophysics Fellowship (due Oct. 30, 2026)
This joint fellowship is intended for candidates whose research would benefit from the collaborators and resources available at both Carnegie and Caltech. The Fellow will split their time between the Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena, and Caltech's Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics. The Carnegie-Caltech Theory Fellow is expected to carry out original research in any area of astrophysics, either independently or in collaboration with staff, faculty or students at the host institutions. The principal selection criteria will be outstanding research accomplishments and promise of future achievement. Preference will be given to researchers working in areas in which Caltech and Carnegie have active and overlapping interests. Note that candidates must apply independently to both Carnegie and Caltech to receive full consideration. Please send any inquiries to Dr. Anthony Piro at piro@carnegiescience.edu or Sterl Phinney at esp@tapir.caltech.edu
For additional Carnegie-Caltech fellowship details, please visit: Link Coming Soon!
Carnegie-USC Theoretical Astrophysics Fellowship (due Oct. 30, 2026)
This is a joint fellowship between the Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena and USC's Department of Physics and Astronomy, and fellows will split their time between both locations. The fellow is expected to carry out original research in any area of astrophysics, either independently or in collaboration with staff, faculty or students at the host institutions. The principal selection criteria will be outstanding research accomplishments and promise of future achievement, but preference will be given to researchers working in areas in which USC and Carnegie have active and overlapping interests. Please send any inquiries to Dr. Anthony Piro at piro@carnegiescience.edu or Kris Pardo at kmpardo@usc.edu
For additional Carnegie-USC fellowship details, please visit: Link Coming Soon!
A PhD in Astronomy or a related field is required.
Applications for all fellowships should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, an essay describing the applicant's previous work and future research plans (up to 3 pages including references), and a one page broader impact statement articulating the applicant's past accomplishments and future plans in any of the following areas: experiences and contributions related to community and culture, mentoring, service work, leadership, and outreach. Applicants must also provide confidential letters of recommendation through Interfolio. In your cover letter, please include a short statement describing the use of LLMs, AI, or similar tools in completing this application
Applications may be submitted online using the link above. Please select the appropriate checkbox(es) within the application to indicate which fellowships you wish to be considered for.
Applications for all Fellowships, including recommendation letters, are due by October 30, 2026.
Applicants for the Carnegie-Caltech Theoretical Astrophysics Fellowship must submit an application to both Carnegie and to Caltech via the "Apply Now" link above and by visiting https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32276 and abide by the application procedures/deadlines described therein.
The salary for the Fellowships listed above is: $87,500.00 USD.
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.
