Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The University of Toronto invites applications for Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships within the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. This growing unit pursues groundbreaking research in experimental astrophysics, in close collaboration with Toronto colleagues in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DAA), the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Centre for Planetary Sciences (CPS).

Dunlap Fellows are expected to conduct a program of original research either independently or in collaboration with others at the University, and will be offered professional development and mentoring across a range of areas relevant to a scientific career. Candidates will be selected on the basis of potential for innovative research in instrumentation, software, or observations, and on their ability to further the goals and activities of the Dunlap Institute. Fellows have access to laboratories, computing clusters and fabrication facilities, and can propose for additional internal support for their experimental or computational plans. Dunlap Fellows are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Institute's outreach and training initiatives. The range of activities and opportunities in research, outreach and training can be seen in the annual reports on the Dunlap Institute’s web site.

The Dunlap Institute, DAA, CITA and CPS together host over 130 staff and students in astronomy, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observation, computation and theory. The Dunlap Institute is located on a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world’s great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Toronto offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor pursuits, outstanding food and music, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community.

The Dunlap Institute is committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and potential two-body hires. Subject to immigration regulations, successful candidates will be given the option to take up their Fellowships as part-time appointments (such a request need not be made as part of a candidate's initial application and will not be disclosed to the selection committee).

Appointments are initially for three years, with a subsequent possibility of extension for one further year subject to outstanding performance in public outreach and education activities. Dunlap Fellowships include an annual salary of CAD $69000 plus generous benefits, a research allowance of CAD $18000 per year, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional research funds from the Dunlap Institute.

The approximate expected starting date is September 1, 2018. Applicants must have earned a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field at the time of appointment. Only applicants with a PhD awarded on or after January 1, 2013, will be considered, except in the case of career interruption or other extenuating circumstances.

All application materials must be submitted online by November 1, 2017. Applicants should submit a 300-word anomymised summary of their proposed research program via the online form; plus (in a single file in PDF format) a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a 3-page detailed description of their proposed research program. Applicants should also ask three referees to send letters directly to the Dunlap Institute via email to [email protected] by November 1, 2017.

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and training and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work. Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement. This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement. The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

To apply online, please go to http://coolstar.dunlap.utoronto.ca/jobs/job/dunlap-postdoctoral-fellowships-in-astronomy-and-astrophysics/