Postdoc in astrophysical visualization

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Monday, March 25, 2019
Archive Date: 
Monday, April 22, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of Manitoba
Street Line 1: 
30A Sifton Rd
City: 
Winnipeg
State/Province: 
Manitoba
Zip/Postal: 
R3T 2N2
Country: 
Canada
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Job Description:
The Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba (UM) has one open post-doctoral fellow position in the visualization of astrophysical data products with emphasis on scientific visualization, including the use of interactive 3D Virtual Reality systems. The successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary UM team of researchers covering the domains of astrophysics, data science and visualization. They will have responsibilities that include the development of code for visualization. The UM researchers focus on analyzing the radio continuum data from the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS), which is a Square Kilometre Array (SKA) pathfinder project. As such the team collaborates with experts at the Universities of Toronto and Alberta and contributes to a pilot Canadian SKA Regional Centre, which is supported by a Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grant. This centre will archive thecatalogue and enhanced scientific data products from VLASS observations developed by the UM team using aspects of machine learning, data mining, etc.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will develop, maintain and document visualization software for amjoint project between research groups in UM’s Computer Science and Physics & Astronomy departments. Their focus will be on effective, perception-based visualization of the VLASS catalogues and data products for 2D desktop displays, which access the regional centre’s web archive, and 3D immersive VR headsets. The goal is to facilitate exploration of big data by human-computer interaction to enable discovery science associated with radio transient phenomena, active galactic nuclei, jets, supernova remnants, etc. This position will include some time for independent VLASS-related research in either astrophysics or visualization. The successful candidate will be expected to publish research results in the refereed journal literature.


Qualifications:
Candidates must have a PhD degree in astrophysics, physics, or computer science with a focus on computational science and/or visualization, or demonstrate the ability to acquire skills in these areas. Familiarity with Linux and programming skills in C++, Python, and fluency in written and spoken English are required. Competence in gaming engines (such as Unity) are a preferred asset, as is the ability to work across disciplines and to work well as a team member and independently.


Additional Information:
The University of Manitoba is situated in Winnipeg, which is close to lakes and nature reserves. Cost of living is relatively low, housing is affordable, and it is renown for its friendliness.

To apply, please send a CV, bibliography, statement of relevant experience, and have 3 letters of reference emailed to Prof. Chris O’Dea.
 

Included Benefits: 

We offer:
- Full-time employment at University of Manitoba with a negotiable starting date but ideally August 1, 2019 or soon after for a period of 3 years.
- A competitive salary $40,000 to $60,000 CAD per year with benefits depending on qualifications and seniority.
- We invite applications from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including women, Indigenous peoples, other visible minorities, and those committed to a diverse environment. Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in
accordance with the "Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act". Please note that curricula vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

 

Application Deadline: 
Friday, April 26, 2019
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, May 17, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Chris O'Dea
Title: 
Professor
Institution/Company: 
University of Manitoba
Street Line 1: 
30A Sifton Rd
City: 
Winnipeg
State/Province: 
Manitoba
Zip/Postal Code: 
R3T 2N2
Country: 
Canada
Phone: 
2044749863
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Chris O'Dea
Subject: 
Postdoc in astrophysical visualization