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A Postdoctoral Fellowship appointment at ITAMP is made each year to support a promising scientist who has recently received a Ph.D. degree to carry out research in all areas of theoretical atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) Physics, broadly defined.

Applications will be accepted now; see link below.

 

Overview

The Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics was established in November 1988 at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in order to address the critical shortage of theorists in atomic and molecular physics at major universities throughout the nation. The objectives of the Institute were and are:

  • Attracting and training graduate students of the highest quality in theoretical AMO Physics;
  • Maintaining an active visitors program to bring senior researchers together for varying lengths of time for scientific collaboration;
  • Establishing a strong post-doctoral fellowship program as a source of potential University faculty.

The ITAMP Postdoctoral Program is designed for candidates whose interests and proposed research programs fall under any area of Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics; broadly defined. Applicants are expected to pursue research programs of their own conception and design, and they should state clearly why they believe that their professional goals would be furthered through research opportunities here. Applicants are expected to demonstrate capability for original research through several first-author refereed publications in major physics journals.

Applicants should state clearly why they believe that their professional goals would be furthered through the Fellowship. Applicants are expected to demonstrate capability for original research and for first-author refereed publications in major physics journals. The applicants should have received a Ph.D. degree up to a year before the nominal start date of September.

The 2025 ITAMP Fellowship position is posted on Academic Jobs Online. 

 

Information

The successful applicant must demonstrate independence to pursue research in topical areas of interest in AMO physics, including ultracold atomic and molecular few- and many-body physics, quantum gases, quantum and non-linear optics, atoms and molecules in strong fields, atomic and molecular astrophysics, quantum information science and simulations, and atomic interactions on the nanoscopic scale.

Stipend: The annual stipend for the fellowship will start at $71,000. There's also a travel fund available for collaborative purposes to attend AMO science meetings.

Health and Dental Insurance: Postdoctoral fellows will receive full support for health and dental insurance.

Length of the Award: The Fellowship is for two years.

Selection process: The ITAMP Fellowships Committee, comprised of ITAMP scientific staff, selects a short list of applicants. The short-listed applicants are invited to ITAMP for one-day interview (presentation and discussion with the staff). The ITAMP Advisory Board is consulted on the short-list, and upon the completion of the interviews and feedback from the Board, the Fellowships Committee selects one or more applicants as the recipient of the ITAMP Postdoctoral Fellowship(s).

Note: The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory issues only J-1 visas to international exchange scholars selected for the ITAMP fellowship.

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex or national origin.

Apply

Deadline for Applications: November 25, 2024

Apply on Academic Jobs Online - search under ITAMP.

Application Instructions

Upload these files in PDF or Text Format:

  • Curriculum Vita
  • List Summary of Previous Publications
  • Current Research (up to 3 pages)
  • Research Proposal (up to 5 pages)
  • Proposals, with images and references included, should not exceed 4 pages. Four pages is the maximum, not the absolute standard; therefore, applicants may submit summaries and proposals that are less than 4 pages. The font type should be equivalent to Times New Roman, size 12
  • Three Letters of Reference:
    • Steps for submitting references: 
      1. Contact your references. Make sure that they are available to submit the reference and are willing to write a letter on your behalf.
      2. The applicant supplies the name and email of each referee in the application form.
      3. A message is emailed to each reference, which provides a unique URL.
      4. The reference uses the URL given in their email to upload the letter.
      5. Once the reference letter has been uploaded, the applicant will see "Complete" when checking the appropriate area of the application status page.

FAQ

How do I apply?
On Academic Jobs Online and search under ITAMP

Can I print the application form and mail it?
If you are unable to use the online application, contact itamp.fellowship@cfa.harvard.edu for more information.

When will an offer be made for the Fellowships?
If you are not selected, you will be notified in late January via email.

Are there any requirements I must meet in order to apply?
Applicants are expected to pursue research programs of their own conception and design, and they should state clearly why they believe that their professional goals would be furthered through research opportunities at ITAMP. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their capability for original research through first-author refereed publications in major scientific journals.

What type of visa will the ITAMP (through the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory) issue me if I am selected?
The Fellowship is considered a non-service fellowship. It is not an employment position. Therefore, only J-1 visas are issued to international exchange scholars.

How should letters of recommendation be submitted?
Letters of reference should be submitted by three "referees" familiar with your scientific abilities and must be received by the application deadline. The name and email of each referee must be supplied in the application form. A message is emailed to each referee, which provides a unique URL. The referee uses that URL to upload the letter. Once the letter has been uploaded, the applicant will see "Complete" when checking the appropriate area of the application status page.

What format is required for uploading files?
Files should be in pdf format. If this is not possible, postscript or plain text is acceptable.

Can I edit my application online?
Yes, follow instructions on Academic Jobs Online. 

What if I decide to withdraw my application?
If you want to withdraw your application, send email to  itamp.fellowship@cfa.harvard.edu stating your full name and which fellowship application you wish to withdraw.

What if I have other questions?
Please send an email inquiry to us at itamp.fellowship@cfa.harvard.edu.

Contact

Application Questions: Please email us at itamp.fellowship@cfa.harvard.edu.