Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Black Hole Explorer (BHEX)

Details

Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Black Hole Explorer (BHEX)

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Black Hole Initiative

Position Description

Applications are invited for a Visiting Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Black Hole Initiative ( BHI ) at Harvard University and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory ( SAO ). This is a term-limited, three-month appointment running from June 1 through August 31, 2026, with no option for renewal or extension.

The Visiting Postdoctoral Research Fellow will pursue research related to the Black Hole Explorer ( BHEX ) mission, a proposed space-based observatory designed to enable transformational horizon-scale studies of black holes. The fellow will work under the supervision of Michael Johnson ( BHEX Principal Investigator) and Peter Galison ( BHEX Science Teams Lead), and will be embedded within the interdisciplinary research environment of the Black Hole Initiative.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with researchers across astronomy, physics, engineering, and the history and philosophy of science, while contributing to mission-focused scientific and technical activities in support of BHEX .

Please direct any questions on the application process to Nicole Grenier: [email protected].

Basic Qualifications

All the following online application materials are requested:

Three Uploaded Forms in PDF (preferred) or Plain Text Format:

Curriculum Vitae

Three Letters of reference

PLEASE NOTE : Completion of the Ph.D. is required to begin a Postdoctoral Fellowship; successful candidates who have received their degree within three years of the effective start date of the fellowship must provide verification of their Ph.D.

Additional Qualifications

Special Instructions

Contact Information

Nicole Grenier

BHI Division Administrator

Contact Email [email protected]

Salary Range

$17,000-$19,000 total for three month period.

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed 4

Keywords

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Supplemental Questions