Center for Computational Astrophysics Predoctoral Program
Center for Computational Astrophysics Predoctoral Program
Providing mentored research opportunities to exceptional graduate students in astrophysics.
About
How to Apply
Stage 1
Applicants must first submit a Stage 1 application by filling out this Google form by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 13, 2026.
- In the form, candidates should identify one or more potential mentors from this list. They should also select a mentor-proposed project to work on or propose their own aligned with a listed mentor’s interests.
- Prospective mentors must approve of the candidate’s participation in the program and commit to serving as their mentor for the candidate’s application to be considered.
- If a specified mentor wishes to proceed with a formal proposal, they will contact the candidate by March 20, 2026.
Stage 2
Upon mentor approval, applicants must submit a formal Stage 2 application by 11:59 p.m. on April 17, 2026 via Interfolio, including the following materials:
- CV and publication list
- Description of previous research experience (not to exceed two pages, including figures; references can be on a separate page)
- Research proposal of not more than two pages (including figures; references can be on a separate page) outlining planned work at CCA
- Two letters of recommendation submitted confidentially by the letter writers through Interfolio
- One letter must be from the applicant’s Ph.D. supervisor and must explicitly approve the applicant’s possible participation in the Predoctoral Program
Key Dates
Program FAQ
Below, find important information about the program. Applicants should not feel obligated to read this page but may find it helpful; accepted applicants should read it in full.
Please note that none of the below should be considered legal or financial advice, and we do not endorse any specific products, services, or websites. Reach out to [email protected] with questions.
What do I need to do prior to my start date at CCA?
We encourage international students to consider opening a checking account in U.S. dollars prior to coming to NYC to ensure that their first paycheck is deposited as soon as possible. If this is not possible, you will need to apply at a bank branch. Bank of America, which has a branch at 5th Ave. and 23rd St. (two blocks from the Flatiron Institute), is one option that requires a passport only (no social security number needed). Chase and Wells Fargo are other options.
Helpful Sites:
What are the anticipated start and end dates?
Fall pre-docs start late August and end late January. Spring pre-docs start late January or early February and end late June. HR will provide the exact dates. If the dates cause any problems, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
How should I handle my institutional tuition costs while participating in this program?
In order to participate in the program, the pre-doc’s advisor and department chair (or other appropriate individual) must sign a letter stating that the pre-doc’s home institution will waive or otherwise cover the predoc’s tuition. CCA does not provide money for tuition, and you should not be charged.
Will medical benefits be available?
Medical benefits are provided to pre-docs hired as temporary full-time employees for the five-month program. The HR team will provide further details when a formal offer is presented.
Will computing resources will be available?
Pre-docs are provided with a laptop and external monitor as part of the onboarding process. While employed at the CCA, pre-docs have access to Flatiron clusters. Pre-docs’ accounts are closed at the end of their employment at the CCA, and they are responsible for transferring any required data elsewhere. Pre-docs should consult with their mentors if this will be problematic, as it is possible to extend cluster accounts (but not email, etc.) if merited. In addition, laptops will be returned to the Simons Foundation at the end of the pre-doctoral appointment during the offboarding process.
What housing options are available?
Pre-docs are given priority for apartments in the Simons Foundation-owned discounted apartment building, The Alabama, located in Greenwich Village, 0.5 miles from the Flatiron. The total cost to the employee (rent + tax) is very favorable for the building’s location. Rents are in line with those charged by local universities for comparable accommodations. Rent includes all utilities, insurance, cable and internet.
The apartments are furnished, but it may be necessary to purchase some household items (For example, previous pre-docs have established a collection of kitchenware for the benefit of future pre-docs). At The Alabama, all fully furnished units include a TV, couch, coffee table, dining table, chairs, dishwasher and a two-in-one microwave/convection oven. Each bedroom/studio has a full-sized bed, TV, wardrobe, a study desk and chair. Pre-docs will receive a video tour prior to move-in, as well as a list of what items are included with rent.
Pre-docs also have the option to rent or sublet market-rate apartments outside of The Alabama if preferred. Useful sites include Airbnb and StreetEasy. Please note that if you rent a market-rate apartment, you may be subject to broker fees and/or security deposit fees.
How can I get help with a visa?
The Simons Foundation’s HR team will assist international pre-docs with procuring the necessary visa/work authorization.
Is there any relocation support?
Relocation benefits will include round-trip travel to/from New York City. Incoming pre-docs typically purchase their own flights and are reimbursed in their first paycheck. If reimbursement is not a viable option from a cash-flow perspective, pre-docs should reach out to their Simons Foundation HR representative, cc’ing [email protected], for assistance. Please note that relocation expenses are considered taxable income. Applicable taxes will be taken out of the first paycheck.
What meal-plan options are available?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided on site every weekday for the pre-doc cohort.
How will I get my paycheck?
All Simons Foundation employees are paid semi-monthly via direct deposit. The quoted salary is pre-tax, and federal and state taxes are withheld from each paycheck. Pre-docs will need to file a tax return and may receive a tax refund at the end of the calendar year(s) during which they work at CCA. Online tax calculators and cost-of-living estimators may be useful for planning purposes.
How frequently should I plan to communicate with my advisor?
Pre-docs and their mentors should regularly communicate with the student’s advisor at their home institution. We recommend arranging monthly Zoom meetings.
What additional meetings and workshops should I attend during my appointment?
Pre-docs can review a list of upcoming events at CCA and should ask their mentors for guidance about which weekly meetings and events they should attend.
Are there any funds for external travel during my appointment?
The CCA will fund travel to one conference for the purpose of presenting research done at the CCA either during the pre-doc’s time at the CCA or up to six months after the end of the program.
Are page charges covered by CCA during my appointment?
The CCA will cover a pre-doc’s share of the page charges for work started at the CCA. Page charges should be divided amongst co-authors as they would for any other collaborative paper.
What are program expectations?
Pre-docs are expected to work standard hours, primarily from the CCA offices at 162 5th Avenue, for the duration of their visit. Some degree of flexibility on hours and working location may be arranged with the pre-doc’s manager (usually their research supervisor at CCA). Similarly, the pre-doc is expected to spend the majority of their working time while here working on their proposed project and interacting with CCA collaborators, but this balance should be determined in conversation with the pre-doc’s advisor(s).
What are the “end of program” expectations?
Pre-docs are invited to give a short, 15-minute presentation on their work to the CCA community as part of a wrap-up symposium event. Symposia typically occur during the second-to-last week of the program, but timing may vary.
After the program dates on-site conclude, we will provide funding for pre-docs to return to CCA for a two-week collaborative visit. This visit can be made for up to one year after the program ends.
Is there a list of alumni for the CCA Predoctoral Program?
Yes. A list of previous CCA pre-docs is available here.
Former Fellow Testimonials
Chris Lam, 2022-2023
“The CCA Predoc Program has revolutionized my view of the field of astronomy and my place in it. Thanks to the support of my advisors and peers, the professional and healthy working environment at CCA, and the rich exchange of ideas that comes with the CCA being a gathering place for astronomers in town, I had never had such positive feelings about my research and my scientific identity.”
Ankan Sur (2021-2022)
“It has been a rewarding experience for me to be a predoc at the Flatiron Institute. I have gained valuable knowledge about the scientific method and developed skills such as critical thinking, numerical analysis and data visualization.”
Snigdaa Sethuram (2021-2022)
“Working at the Flatiron institute allowed me to experience a unique niche of academic research, with a highly lateral work structure that allows scientists at various stages of their career to interact with each other. It’s highly encouraged to just get to know people working in different groups and even different departments.”
Alexander Gagliano (2021-2022)
“I led a project of my own design together with an interdisciplinary team of brilliant colleagues. That freedom led to a suite of exciting new questions that now form the basis for my plans as a postdoctoral researcher. The environment at CCA is both fast-paced and supportive, and the regular visitors from around the world make it easy to forge new collaborations and friendships. I can’t recommend the program enough.”
Iryna Butsky (2019-2020)
“The CCA Predoctoral Fellowship was one of the most rewarding scientific experiences of my career so far: I got to do awesome science, under great mentorship, with unparalleled access to a variety of experts in relevant subfields. I think about the CCA’s breakfast oatmeal more often than I’d like to admit.”