Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellows

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet. The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space—as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.

Summary

The Astrophysics Center at Schmidt Sciences invites applications for the Schmidt Observatory System Postdoctoral Fellows program — a highly selective cohort of early-career scientists embedded within the development of the Schmidt Observatory System. The Schmidt Observatory System is a coordinated network of ground- and space-based observatories operating with integrated resources across a broad range of astrophysical investigations, with multiple facilities expected to be online in the next 2-3 years. This program is designed for scientists who want to work at the intersection of observatory design, system performance, and mission-shaping science. Fellows will contribute directly to the technical and scientific foundations of multiple observatories, influencing how these facilities are built, calibrated, and used by the scientific community.

Fellows will operate within a small, high-impact team working fluidly across multiple observatories, engaging directly with scientists, engineers, and leadership. Day-to-day work includes developing and evaluating system architectures, advancing calibration and analysis methodologies, and translating scientific goals into technical requirements and operational strategies. Fellows are expected to take ownership of key problem areas, producing both scientific results and enabling capabilities, with the opportunity to shape critical decisions at a stage when trade-offs remain open.

The Role

Postdoctoral Fellows will form the inaugural cohort of approximately five postdoctoral researchers embedded within the Schmidt Observatory System.This is a two-year, fixed-term fellowship with a structured third-year renewal based on performance. Fellows will develop focused work plans in close collaboration with the Schmidt Observatory System team. These plans will be milestone-driven and delivery-focused, giving Fellows responsibility for defined problem areas while ensuring close alignment with evolving Observatory System needs. The role combines hands-on technical contribution, scientific analysis, and close collaboration with internal technical leadership and external partners. Fellows will have direct involvement in decisions that shape how the Observatory System matures from development toward science operations.

Fellowship Structure and Environment

This fellowship is structured around direct contributions to the development and performance of the Schmidt Observatory System, alongside the production of publications and other research artefacts.

Fellows are expected to produce scientific and technical publications arising directly from their work on the Schmidt Observatory System. Rather than separating research from programmatic work, this role is designed such that core Observatory System contributions are themselves scientifically substantive and publishable. Work will focus on defined priorities in system development and performance maturation, while allowing Fellows to integrate their research expertise to develop approaches, analyses, and ideas that advance both program goals and their scientific trajectory.

Work plans will be developed in collaboration with the Observatory System team and are expected to evolve as the observatories progress. Fellows will work under the guidance of senior members of the Astrophysics Center, within a structured environment that supports both project execution and professional development, with exposure to career paths across academia, observatories, industry, and philanthropy.

The fellowship is based at Schmidt Sciences, a science philanthropy that plays an active role in the design, development, and scientific use of the observatories it supports. The Astrophysics Center includes a growing in-house team of astronomers and technical experts working across these efforts.

Support will be available for travel, conference attendance, publications, computing, and access to advanced AI and data resources.

Fellows will be expected to take ownership of well-defined problem areas and drive them from concept through execution to publication.

The key responsibilities and areas of focus listed below represent current priorities; additional or customized focus areas may be defined for exceptional candidates whose expertise aligns strongly with Observatory System needs. Applicants are encouraged to indicate one or more areas of focus in their cover letter, along with any additional areas aligned with their expertise.