2011 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Predoctoral Program

2011 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Predoctoral Program

The 2011 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Predoctoral Program invites applications from current graduate students pursuing thesis research in astrophysics or related fields. Applicants in theory, observation, instrument development, or laboratory experiments at a university or college are strongly encouraged to apply. Online applications are due by April 15, 2011, 17:00 GMT. For application instructions and a login to the application, please see the Admissions (http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/opportunities/fellowships/predoc/admissions.html) page.

Started in 1985, the Program has welcomed graduate students from universities around the world interested in carrying out all or part of their research under the guidance of SAO Scientists.

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics creates a rich environment for collaborations among future colleagues by bringing together over 300 SAO scientists across a broad spectrum of scientific endeavors in nearly all areas related to astronomy, including: atomic and molecular physics, geophysics and atmospheric physics, the solar system, solar physics, planetary systems, the interstellar medium, stars and star formation, supernovae, compact objects, galaxies, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.

Facilities include the MMT Observatory, Magellan, and other optical and infrared telescopes; radio telescopes, especially the Submillimeter Array on Mauna Kea, Hawaii; a large Beowulf cluster and network of workstations; a number of specialized laboratories; an outstanding library system; and access to data from a wide range of space missions, especially the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Spitzer Space Telescope.

Requirements:
The SAO Predoctoral Program is designed for graduate students wishing to carry out all or part of their thesis research at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Therefore, applicants must have completed preliminary coursework and examinations prior to the start of the SAO Predoctoral Program. Applicants must gain approval of the Department Head of their particular university as their degrees will be granted by their home institutions.

Choosing an Advisor: All applications to the Fellowship Program are required to list the SAO scientist who has agreed to serve as a sponsor for each proposed research project. Applicants must directly contact SAO scientists in their particular research areas.

THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT RANK APPLICANTS AND AWARD FELLOWSHIPS INDEPENDENTLY OF FUNDING SOURCE. ALL APPLICANTS MUST EITHER HAVE FUNDING FROM THEIR HOME INSTITUTION OR OBTAIN FUNDING DIRECTLY FROM THEIR SAO ADVISOR.

Length of the Award:
The SAO Predoctoral Fellowship is awarded for a period of one year at a time. It is possible to renew a SAO Predoctoral Fellowship Award to a maximum of three years based on the availability of funding, satisfactory progress, and the agreement of both the home institution advisor and the SAO advisor.

Start Date:
Acceptance letters are generally sent out in May. Consequently, SAO Predoctoral Fellows begin their program in July or September. However, Predoctoral awardees work with their selected SAO advisors in choosing an appropriate start date.

Compensation:
Stipends for the current academic year are $29,352. Funds may also be available for relocation, travel, and other expenses.

For more information, see http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/opportunities/fellowships/predoc/overview.html.