Postdoctoral Fellow: Black Hole Initiative at Harvard University – Cambridge, MA, USA

Summary

Harvard University's Black Hole Initiative (BHI) is inviting applications for Postdoctoral Research Fellows. The BHI is an interdisciplinary research center focused on black holes, affiliated with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). Successful candidates will have access to BHI computing facilities and opportunities to collaborate with researchers across various fields, including fundamental physics, mathematical stability of spacetime, GR Magnetohydrodynamic simulations, tidal disruption events, gravitational waves, philosophical and historical context of black holes, and EHT observations. The ideal start date is September 1, 2027. These are grant-funded positions for three years, contingent on performance and funding. Resources for research expenses, conference travel, and computing will be provided. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and submit a CV, three letters of reference, and a research proposal by November 16, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Black Hole Initiative
Position Type	Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area	Fundamental physics of black holes and the information paradox, Mathematical stability of spacetime and gravitational memory, GR Magnetohydrodynamic simulations of accretion flows, Tidal disruption events, Gravitational Waves and black hole mergers, The Philosophical and Historical context of black holes, Horizon-resolving observations and analysis using the EHT
Degree Required	Ph.D.
Funding	Grant-funded positions
Contract Duration	Three years
Deadline	2026-11-16
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae, Three Letters of reference, Research Proposal
Employer Address	20 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA, United States
Employer Contact	Nicole Grenier, BHI Division Administrator, Phone: 617-496-8956, Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The research project involves interdisciplinary study of black holes, encompassing areas such as the fundamental physics of black holes and the information paradox, mathematical stability of spacetime and gravitational memory, GR Magnetohydrodynamic simulations of accretion flows, tidal disruption events, gravitational waves and black hole mergers, the philosophical and historical context of black holes, and horizon-resolving observations and analysis using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). Fellows will have access to computing facilities and opportunities to interact with researchers from various fields.

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a Ph.D. who are interested in interdisciplinary research on black holes are encouraged to apply. The position is suitable for researchers looking to collaborate across fields such as fundamental physics, astrophysics, mathematics, and the history and philosophy of science, with a focus on black hole studies.

Benefits

• Access to BHI computing facilities
• Opportunity to interact and work with researchers in multiple fields
• Resources for research expenses including publication charges, related conference travel, and computing resources

About the Employer

The Black Hole Initiative (BHI) at Harvard University is the first interdisciplinary research center worldwide dedicated to the study of black holes. It is located in Cambridge, MA, and includes senior members from Harvard, Yale, MIT, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Black Hole Initiative (BHI)?

The BHI is the first interdisciplinary research center worldwide to focus on the study of black holes.

What is the ideal start date for the postdoctoral fellowship?

The ideal starting date for BHI postdoctoral fellows is September 1, 2027.

What is the duration of the postdoctoral positions?

The grant-funded positions are for three years, contingent on performance and funding.

What degree is required to begin a Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Completion of the Ph.D. is required to begin a Postdoctoral Fellowship.

What documents are required for the application?

The required documents are a Curriculum Vitae, three letters of reference, and a Research Proposal.

Who can be contacted for more information?

Nicole Grenier, BHI Division Administrator, can be contacted via phone at 617-496-8956 or email at [email protected].