BHEX Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Black Hole Explorer (BHEX)

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Black Hole Initiative invites applications for one or more Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. Fellows will pursue research on theory, simulations, instrumentation, or mission design related to the Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) mission, under the supervision of Michael Johnson (BHEX PI) and Peter Galison (BHEX Science Team Lead).

Fellows will be embedded within the interdisciplinary environment of the BHI, with opportunities to collaborate across astronomy, physics, engineering,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required to begin a Postdoctoral Fellowship.
• Preferred candidates with a strong research track record in BHEX-related fields.

Responsibilities

• Pursue research on theory, simulations, instrumentation, or mission design related to BHEX.
• Collaborate across astronomy, physics, engineering and the history and philosophy of science.
• Work under supervision of BHEX PI and Science Team Lead.

Skills

Strong research record

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Theoretical physics

Numerical simulation

Interferometric data analysis

Instrumentation

Space-mission design

Education

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or closely related field

Job description

School

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area

Department/Area Black Hole Initiative

Position Description

Applications are invited for one or more Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in the Black Hole Initiative ( BHI ) at Harvard University. Fellows will pursue research on theory, simulations, instrumentation, or mission design and development related to the Black Hole Explorer ( BHEX ) mission. BHEX is a proposed space-based observatory designed to enable transformational horizon-scale studies of black holes and their relativistic jets. The fellow will work under the supervision of Michael Johnson ( BHEX Principal Investigator) and Peter Galison ( BHEX Science Team Lead).

The successful candidates will be embedded within the interdisciplinary research environment of the Black Hole Initiative, with the opportunity to interact and collaborate with researchers across astronomy, physics, engineering, and the history and philosophy of science, while advancing the scientific and technical foundations of BHEX .

The nominal starting date for BHEX fellows is September 1, 2027. Applications should be submitted electronically by 5:00pm EST , November 11, 2026, but applications will be considered ongoing, continuing until the positions are filled. Each appointment is expected to continue for three years, contingent on performance and funding. Resources for research expenses including publication charges, related conference travel, workshops, and computing resources will be available.

Further information about the BHI may be found at http://www.bhi.fas.harvard.edu ; information about BHEX may be found at https://www.blackholeexplorer.org/ . Please direct any questions about the application process to Nicole Grenier: [e-mail].

All the following online application materials are requested:

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

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Three Letters of reference

3. Research Statement

4. publication list

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

A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of research and expertise relevant to one or more aspects of BHEX , including black-hole theory, numerical simulation, interferometric data analysis, instrumentation, or space-mission design and development.

Special Instructions

Contact Information

Contact Email

Salary Range

$70,000-$80,000: Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field

Minimum Number of References Required

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Maximum Number of References Allowed 4

Keywords

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Supplemental Questions

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