ITAMP Postdoctoral Fellowship

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 2024 ITAMP Fellowship position is posted on the APS Physics Job Center.

And the AAS Job Register.

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 with possible renewal for a third year. 

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.

Deadline for Applications: November 27, 2023

Online admissions materials and references are due before the deadline.

Please review the FAQ before beginning the online application.

The first time you go to the below link you will need register for a login password. When you see the Login page, click on the "Update Account" button. This will take you to a form where you will create your account. Make sure that you remember your password so that you can return to the same application to finish your application, or to make changes.

The online application can be found at:

FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION LOGIN

Application Instructions

Complete the following sections of the online application:

• Personal Information Section of Online Application
• Proposed Research Section of Online Application

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 4 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.

How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online through our website.

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.

How do I register online?
Go to the Fellowship Application Login page. Select "Update Account" then "Register". On the Registration page, enter your full email address and a password of your choice. Repeat the password for verification and select "Register Now."

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.

How do I submit my application?
Your complete application is submitted automatically.

Can I edit my application online?
Yes, you can access the application as many times as you want until the deadline. After entering the new information, click on the "Save" button. You can enter more information or edit existing information each time. You can upload new files to replace existing ones until the deadline.

If my password does not work, what should I do?
On the "Fellowship Application: Login" page select "Reset Password" and a new password will be emailed to you if you have already successfully registered.

How will I know if all my application materials have been received?
After logging in to the application, select "View Application Status" to check what remains incomplete in your application. In addition, when viewing your application online, you can check previously uploaded files by clicking on the numbered button provided.

What should I do if I notice an error in my application after I submit it?
Until the deadline, you can access the application to make corrections, including uploading new versions of the pdf files.

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.