Postdoctoral Positions

Caltech Theoretical Astrophysics and Relativity Group

Two types of postdoctoral position are available, but the application procedure is the same for both. All applicants are automatically considered for all positions. The two types of positions are:

Postdoctoral Prize Fellowships in Theoretical Physics and Theoretical Astrophysics (awarded in a division-wide competition). These are of three-year duration, and are offered to outstanding recent PhD recipients. The annual stipend for Fall 2002 is $48,200, plus an annual $3,000 research fund. There may also be a prize Senior Research Fellowship (also for three years, but renewable up to a total of six years), with annual stipend of approximately $62,000 plus an annual $4,000 research fund.
Postdoctoral positions supported by federal grants to Blandford, Goldreich, Kamionkowski, Phinney and Thorne. These are typically renewed for two years, with stipend depending on circumstances and experience.

How to apply

All materials must arrive before December 1, and should be sent to:

 Theoretical Physics and Theoretical Astrophysics Fellowships
 Mail Code 103-33
 Caltech
 Pasadena, CA 91125
 USA

The required materials are a

Cover letter stating that you wish to be considered for a Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship in Theoretical Astrophysics or Gravitational Physics. You do not need to apply separately for the grant-supported postdoctoral positions.
curriculum vitae (with country of citizenship indicated).
bibliography of publications.
preprints of manuscripts not yet published, and
a description of the anticipated research program.

In addition, the candidate or nominator is requested to ensure that

at least three letters of recommendation are sent directly to Caltech at the address above, to arrive before December 1.

Candidates will automatically be considered for all available postdoctoral positions in their fields of interest. They are also encouraged to apply for Hubble Fellowships, Chandra fellowships, NSF fellowships, NATO fellowships, and so on, listing Caltech as the host institution. Caltech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.

I'm not a theoretical astrophysicist or relativist. What can I do?

If your focus is instrumental, you can apply for the

Prize Fellowships in Experimental Physics and Experimental Astrophysics

with address, deadline and requirements otherwise as for the Theoretical Fellowships described above. Subjects covered include development of astronomical detectors for radio (cm, mm) astronomy, infrared and submillimeter astronomy, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy, satellite development, and experimental gravitational physics. Candidates whose focus is purely observational will not be considered for Millikan prize fellowships. They should enquire directly of faculty members working in their field of interest. There are often grant-supported postdoctoral fellowships available. Candidates are also encouraged to apply for Hubble Fellowships, Chandra fellowships, NSF fellowships, NATO fellowships, and so on, listing Caltech as the host institution.