How do I apply?
Applications for SMA Postdoctoral Fellowships are accepted online from September 1, 2007, to December 15, 2007, 17:00 EST, through the website.

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".

Are there any requirements I must meet in order to apply?
Applicants must have a recent Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field. SMA Postdoctoral Fellowships are aimed chiefly at research in submillimeter astronomy, and the successful candidates are expected to propose and participate in science observations with the SMA.

As an SMA Postdoctoral Fellow, may I use telescopes other than the SMA?
Yes, Fellows are encouraged to propose and obtain data from any ground-based or space-based telescope, as appropriate for their scientific investigations. Travel funds are available from the SMA Director for this purpose, if needed. Fellows have access to all CfA facilities, including the MMT (Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, Arizona) and Magellan (Las Campanas Observatory, Chile) telescopes.

What is the start date for an SMA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The start date is flexible. Most Fellows begin their appointments in the fall, often on October 1.

When will an offer be made for the SMA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
It is expected that the first offer will be issued by mid-January 2008.

Are applications for other CfA Fellowship Programs (e.g. CfA, Clay) automatically forwarded to the SMA Fellowship Selection Committee for consideration?
No, the SMA Postdoctoral Fellowship requires a separate application.

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, December 15, 2007, 17:00 EST. 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.

Can I edit my application online?
Yes, you can access the application as many times as you want until the deadline. 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 smapostdoc@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 smapostdoc@cfa.harvard.edu.