Postdoctoral Fellowship, Science Development for the CASTOR Mission

The National Research Council of Canada's Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (NRC-HAA), is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will join the CASTOR science team and contribute to updating the mission's science goals, instrument modes, performance specifications, data flows, survey strategies and observing schedule.

CASTOR is a proposed wide-field, 1m-aperture space telescope that will perform imaging, spectroscopy and precision photometry at ultraviolet and blue-optical wavelengths. The mission was recently identified as Canada's top priority in space astronomy in the 2020 Long Range Plan for Canadian Astronomy, and is the subject of multiple, ongoing scientific and technical studies by the Canadian Space Agency, NRC, academia and industry. CASTOR's science goals are diverse, and include the solar system, exoplanets, galaxy and stellar evolution, time domain astronomy, and cosmology. We therefore welcome applications from individuals having research experience in any of these fields.

A Ph.D. in Astronomy or a related discipline is required, as is a demonstrated record of research excellence in any of the fields to be addressed by the CASTOR mission. Experience in ultraviolet/optical space astronomy, wide-field surveys, and space operations would be considered assets but are not strictly required. During the appointment, the researcher will also have the opportunity to exploit astronomical facilities administered by NRC-HAA and contribute to forefront research projects conducted using those facilities.

The initial appointment is of two years duration. Although the hiring is at the postdoctoral level, this is considered a term staff scientist position with all the associated benefits, including paid maternity and parental leave, vacation, accruable pension contributions and others. In addition to a highly competitive salary, the successful applicant will receive support for publications, observing and conference travel.

To be eligible, applicants must have acquired their Ph.D. within the last three years, or expect to obtain their degree before taking up the position. For more information on this job opportunity and to submit your application, visit our website at: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Science Development for the CASTOR Mission (nrc-cnrc.gc.ca)

NRC is an equal opportunity employer.

Applications should be made by 25 March 2022 via the process described at the URL provided.

Vous pouvez obtenir ces renseignements en français au lien suivant:: Stagiaires de recherche postdoctorale, Développement scientifique de la mission CASTOR (nrc-cnrc.gc.ca)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2022

Current Status of Position: Accepting Applicants

Desired starting date: July – October 2022

For more information on the CASTOR mission, see: https://www.castormission.org/