Postdoctoral position: Galactic science with CHIME

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Monday, September 9, 2019
Archive Date: 
Monday, October 21, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of British Columbia
Department Name: 
Physics, Okanagan Campus
City: 
Kelowna
State/Province: 
BC
Country: 
Canada
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Physics department at the University of British Columbia's (UBC) Okanagan campus invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Galactic science with CHIME (the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment) based at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) near Penticton, BC Canada. The position is for 36 months subject to progress of the project and availability of funds.

The candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Alex Hill (UBC) and Dr. Tom Landecker (DRAO) as part of the CHIME cosmology and Galactic science team, focusing on extracting the 400-800 MHz polarized and unpolarized signal from the Milky Way Galaxy. The researcher will carry out research in Galactic astrophysics based on these signals. The candidate will also work on a survey utilizing an 18 m parabolic antenna and a 350-1050 MHz receiver at DRAO which will be both a calibration reference for CHIME and an unprecedented Galactic polarization survey in its own right. The candidate's time will be split between tasks related to Galactic science and other CHIME responsibilities (75%) and an independent research program at the candidate's discretion (25%).

Candidates must have a recent Ph.D. in Astronomy or a closely related field before starting the position. Candidates will be judged on the following desired criteria: i) a record of independent and collaborative research on the interstellar medium or astrophysical magnetic fields, as demonstrated by papers published in refereed journals, (ii) experience working with polarimetric observations with single dish and/or aperture synthesis radio telescopes, and (iii) experience with radio telescope instrumentation.

UBC is one of the world's leading universities. The university has two distinct campuses, one in Vancouver and one in Kelowna. UBC's Okanagan campus, located in the city of Kelowna, has over 8,000 students in seven faculties with strong graduate programs. Situated in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, one of the most scenic regions in Canada, it offers an intimate learning environment and excellent opportunities for regional, national, and international scholarly activities.

The Physics department at UBC's Okanagan campus is housed in the vibrant Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences (IKBSAS). The Faculty offers both discipline-based and interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The collegial learning environment in the Faculty focuses on effective teaching, critical and creative scholarship, and the integration of scholarship and teaching. We are committed to an ethos of local involvement, global engagement, and intercultural awareness and we provide a positive, inclusive, and mutually supportive working and learning environment for all our students, faculty, and staff.

Applicants are asked to submit:
(i) a 1-2 page cover letter outlining qualifications for the position.
(ii) a curriculum vitae that includes publication record.
(iii) a research statement of about two pages (not including references and figures).
(iv) names and contact information of three referees

Eligibility Criteria:
A Postdoctoral Fellow must commence the appointment within five years of being awarded a Ph.D. degree or within ten years of being awarded a M.D. or D.D.S. degree; however, this time period may be extended by circumstances requiring an interruption in a research career (e.g. maternity/parental leave).

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Included Benefits: 
Application Deadline: 
Monday, October 21, 2019
Selection Deadline: 
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Alex Hill
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
35175
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Alex Hill
Subject: 
Postdoctoral position in Galactic science with CHIME