Postdoctoral Position in Extreme Astrophysics (Position Number 23852)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the eXtreme Astrophysics group of Prof. Samar Safi-Harb in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. As part of expanding the group’s research area into multi-messenger astrophysics, supported by the Canada Research Chairs program, the successful candidate will work on astrophysical studies of Compact Objects (compact objects mergers, neutron stars/magnetars, black holes) and/or associated environments (kilonova remnants, supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae), with focus on their multi-messenger science.

Over the next several years, advancements in sensitivity and detector development for both High-Energy and Gravitational Wave (GW) observatories will revolutionize our understanding of some of the most extreme events in the Universe. In particular, the upcoming Fourth Observing Run (O4) of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaborations, expected to start in Spring 2023, will accelerate the growth of the multi-messenger astrophysics field, and lead to the discovery of new GW events to be followed up across the electromagnetic spectrum and with other messengers. The successful applicant will contribute to one or more of the following projects, depending on their interest and expertise:  data analysis and interpretation of new GW transient events, targeted searches of continuous GW from known pulsars, directed searches of continuous GW waves from compact objects in supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae, follow-up and analysis of electromagnetic counterparts to GW events. Other projects that would align with multi-messenger studies of extreme astrophysical events can be proposed. The applicant will be given opportunities to (co-)supervise students, collaborate with researchers nationally and internationally, and contribute to outreach and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion activities at the University.

Applicants are required to have their PhD by the time they start their position, and preference will be given to candidates within three years of their PhD (official leaves not counted towards that timeframe). Applicants who are experienced with compact objects and gravitational wave (GW) astrophysics, GW data analysis, and/or follow up of electromagnetic counterparts of GW sources are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference. Knowledge of machine learning methods, Bayesian analysis, or surveys’ cross-matching will be an asset. This position will be full-time employment at the University of Manitoba with a negotiable starting date, ideally in May 2023, or soon after for a period of two years. A third year is possible subject to funding and performance.

The eXtreme astrophysics group of Prof. Safi-Harb collaborates with researchers nationally and internationally on multi-wavelength studies of high-energy astrophysical objects and phenomena; and is actively involved in the planning of future missions, particularly in the high-energy domain. Research in Astrophysics at the U. of Manitoba is enabled by observations conducted with state-of-the-art international telescopes and high-performance computing clusters. Additional facilities are available through Compute Canada. The Astronomy & Astrophysics group will soon commission the Peebles Astrophysics Lab: a new space for astronomy trainees that will facilitate interactions and interdisciplinary collaborations. We are supported by research links with other University of Manitoba departments, through the recently launched Data Science Nexus (https://sci.umanitoba.ca/data-science-nexus/) which is housed in the Faculty of Science.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

The cost of living in Winnipeg is relatively low, housing is affordable, and Manitobans are renown for their friendliness. Winnipeg is home to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the NHL’s Jets. Furthermore, the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus houses the stadium that hosts the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football games.  The region provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in all seasons and has been identified by Time magazine as one of 2021’s “World’s Greatest Places”.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

To apply, please provide the following documents:

• A cover letter (1 page maximum) including the names and contact information of at least three professional references.
• A CV including a publications list.
• A research statement (3 pages maximum) addressing the candidate’s interest in the position and proposed research program.
• A statement (1 page maximum) addressing past and/or proposed contributions to supervision of students, public outreach, teaching, professional service, and/or Equity/Diversity/Inclusion activities.

All documents should be merged as a single PDF and sent by email to [email protected], with the Subject: Postdoctoral Position in Extreme Astrophysics. Review of applications will begin Dec 16, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

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.