BHEX Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Black Hole Explorer (BHEX)
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
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:
nicole.grenier@cfa.harvard.edu.
Basic Qualifications
All the following online application materials are requested:
Uploaded forms in PDF (preferred) or plain text format:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three Letters of reference
- Research Statement
- 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
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
Nicole Grenier
BHI Division Administrator
617-496-8956
Contact Email
nicole.grenier@cfa.harvard.edu
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
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
4
Keywords
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
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Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Research
- List of Publications
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
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