Prize Postdoctoral Researcher in Interstellar Objects and the Galileo Project

Laplace Apply; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard College Observatory in Cambridge, MA invites applications for a Prize Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with Professor Avi Loeb on the Galileo Project. The focus is searching for interstellar objects and unidentified anomalous phenomena in data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

The appointment is nominally one year, renewable up to two additional years. Start date around January 18, 2027. Compensation USD 73,000–76,000 per year; applicants should submit CV, publication list, cover

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed by the appointment date.
• CV, publication list, cover letter, research statement and referee letters required.

Responsibilities

• Lead research analyzing large observational datasets from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
• Assess whether unusual astronomical signals can be explained or characterized scientifically.
• Collaborate with Harvard College Observatory and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory communities.

Skills

Observational astronomy

Data analysis

Computational analysis

Education

PhD in astronomy, physics or equivalent

Job description

Prize Postdoctoral Researcher in Interstellar Objects and the Galileo Project

United States

Full consideration for complete applications by 15 November 2026; referee letters specified for 15 November 2026 at 18:00 EST (review/letter timing, not unequivocal universal final application cutoff)

About This Opportunity

Harvard University offers Prize Postdoctoral Researcher in Interstellar Objects and the Galileo Project in Cambridge, focused on observational astronomy of interstellar objects and anomalous phenomena.

Harvard College Observatory and the Center for Astrophysics are recruiting a Prize Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with Professor Avi Loeb on the Galileo Project. The focus is searching for interstellar objects and unidentified anomalous phenomena in data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. The successful candidate is expected to lead research that analyses large observational datasets and assesses whether unusual astronomical signals can be explained or characterised scientifically. The role provides access to local computing and opportunities to collaborate with the Harvard College Observatory and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory communities.A PhD in astronomy, physics or an equivalent field must be completed by the appointment date. Applicants must submit a CV, publication list, cover letter, research statement and referee letters. The advertised nominal start is 18 January 2027 or potentially summer 2027. Compensation or funding: USD 73,000–76,000 annually. Stated appointment or programme length: One year, renewable up to two additional years subject to funding and performance. Application timing: Full consideration for complete applications by 15 November 2026; referee letters specified for 15 November 2026 at 18:00 EST (review/letter timing, not unequivocal universal final application cutoff).

Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For: This may be especially suitable for early-career observational astronomers who work with survey data, astronomical detection and interpretation, and computational analysis of unusual or poorly characterised phenomena.

Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable: The work is focused on a distinctive and sometimes hypothesis-sensitive observational domain; candidates should be comfortable with rigorous assessment of uncertain signals. The initial appointment is only one year, though extensions may be possible.

Overall Opportunity Assessment: The opportunity joins large-survey astronomy with targeted search questions while offering a clearly defined one-year appointment and conditional renewal.

Observational astronomy of interstellar objects and anomalous phenomena

Level Postdoc

Time Commitment Full-time

Duration One year, renewable up to two additional years subject to funding and performance

Field Astronomy and Astrophysics

Specialization Physics and Astronomy

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount USD 73,000-76,000 / Per Year

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Period Per Year

Requirements

Education

A PhD in astronomy, physics or an equivalent field must be completed by the appointment date. Applicants must submit a CV, publication list, cover letter, research statement and referee letters.