Carnegie-Caltech Brinson Fellowship in Observational Astronomy

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 .

Early career scientist (Ph.D. January 2026 or later) Highest consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate how their postdoctoral research will enhance the collaborative opportunities between the two institutions. These most naturally fall within the areas of exoplanet, stellar, galactic, extragalactic, and transient object astronomy, but all research fields will be considered.

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: mentoring, outreach, service work, and contributions to the culture of their department or the astronomical community (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.