Postdoctoral Position in Galactic Dynamics and Dark Matter Astrophysics with Gaia

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in Galactic dynamics and dark-matter astrophysics at the University of Toronto, located in downtown Toronto. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Jo Bovy and members of his group on topics in Galactic structure and dynamics using the Gaia data, with a particular focus on constraining the local dark matter phase-space distribution using Gaia data. The main areas of interest of the group are dark matter astrophysics, Milky Way dynamics with Gaia, Milky-Way formation and evolution with Gaia and APOGEE, high-resolution spectroscopic data analysis, and the application of machine-learning techniques to problems in these areas. Funding for this position is partially provided by the McDonald Institute and the successful applicant should be interested in engaging with the McDonald Institute’s research in experimental astroparticle physics.

The appointment is expected to start by May 1, 2020 or earlier; later start dates are not possible. Candidates must possess a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Astrophysics and have demonstrated experience in galactic dynamics and large-survey data analysis. A background in particle (astro)physics is highly desirable. The initial appointment will be for two years; depending on availability of funds and performance, a one-year extension may be possible. The position comes with a competitive salary of at least $60,000, commensurate with qualifications. Applicants should submit a statement of research interests and accomplishments of no more than 3 pages and a CV (including list of publications); please combine all application materials into a single PDF attachment. Also include the contact information of three people who may be asked to provide a reference. Review of applications will start on January 15, 2020, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 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.