How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online from September 1, 2008, to October 30, 2008, 17:00 GMT, through our website.

Can I print the application form and mail it?
If you are unable to use the online application, contact postdoc@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 is the deadline?
The deadline is October 30, 2008, 17:00 GMT, for the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications -- and/or applications received after October 30, 2008 -- will not be considered.

When will an offer be made for the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position?
Offers will be issued starting December 19, 2008. If you are not selected, you will be notified in early January via email.

Are there any requirements I must meet in order to apply?
Only applicants who receive Ph.D. on or after January 1, 2008 will be considered for the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position. The Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position is open to recent Ph.D. recipients with an exceptional record of research in astrophysics, particularly theory.

What is the difference between the Menzel, CfA, and Clay Fellowships?
The Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow is an employment position with all Harvard benefits except pension and pay for unused vacation on departure. It is not a fellowship program. The Menzel is a one-year program, with renewal for a second and third year likely contingent upon funding. Only applicants who receive Ph.D. on or after January 1, 2008 will be considered for the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position.

The Clay Fellowship is a four-year program. The CfA Fellowship is a two-year program, with renewal for a third year likely contingent upon satisfactory progress. In terms of compensation, the Clay Fellowship offers an annual stipend rate of $60,500 and a research rate of $16,000. The CfA offers an annual stipend rate of $59,500 and a research rate of $16,000. In regard to academic qualifications, the Clay Fellowship is open to all Ph.D. recipients whereas the CfA Fellowship accepts applications from those acquiring their Ph.D. between July 1, 2008 and September 1, 2009.

Can I apply for the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position as well the Clay and CfA fellowships?
Yes. If you meet the qualifications of the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position as well as the Clay and CfA Fellowships, you may be considered for all three programs.

Can I use a single application to apply for the Menzel Position as well as the Clay and CfA Fellowships?
Yes, in the online postdoctoral application form, you may select the Menzel Postdoctoral Fellow Position and the CfA Fellowship. Everyone who applies is eligible for the Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship as there are no particular restrictions as far as date of graduation. Letters of reference should be submitted by three "referees" familiar with your scientific abilities and must be received by the application deadline, October 30, 2008, 17:00 GMT. 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 on October 30, 2008, 17:00 GMT.

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 postdoc@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 postdoc@cfa.harvard.edu.