The MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI ) is a renowned astrophysics institute located on the MIT campus in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

MKI is a vibrant hub for astronomy and interdisciplinary space science, bringing together researchers whose expertise spans many areas of astrophysics. Institute members are deeply involved in the development and operation of ground- and space-based telescopes and instruments. As part of MIT’s dynamic research environment, we benefit from close proximity to several major universities with internationally recognized astrophysics programs across Cambridge, Boston, and the broader New England region.

In 2024, MKI celebrated its 20th anniversary and six decades of space research at MIT, tracing its roots to the former Center for Space Research. A defining strength of MKI is its technical heritage, developed through decades of involvement in NASA spaceflight missions and observatories. Few U.S. universities have the capabilities needed to support such programs at the mission level.

Beyond access to national and international ground- and space-based observatories, MKI students, scientists, and engineers have access to MIT’s share of the 6.5-meter Magellan telescopes in Chile, local supercomputing resources, and a vibrant community of research and technical experts. These include teams associated with MKI-supported missions such as TESS, NICER, and Chandra, together with outstanding in-house engineering, instrumentation, and fabrication capabilities.

As an institute, MKI is a very welcoming community with researchers and staff from many different countries and ethnicities. Diverse ideas, viewpoints, and experiences are seen as important contributions to the research enterprise, and to creating a work environment that embraces and supports everyone. Regular formal and informal social activities and gatherings allow for the community to grow, thrive, and work better together.

"Whether you plan to join as student, postdoc, researcher, engineer, or other staff member, MKI will provide many exciting opportunities for you to enhance and advance your career."
- Professor Rob Simcoe, Director

MIT and MKI are located in Cambridge, just across the Charles River from Boston. Cambridge and Boston are historic, walkable cities, with extensive bike networks and public transportation. Together they offer a rich mix of cultural, culinary, and recreational opportunities, from performances by the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra to iconic New England seafood and professional sports at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. The broader New England region provides year-round access to beaches, hiking, skiing, and many other outdoor activities.