Postdoctoral position in Pulsar Searching with CHIME

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. Canada under the supervision of Prof. Ingrid Stairs.   The successful candidate will work on a deep search for slow pulsars (SPS) with the CHIME telescope in Penticton, B.C. The CHIME telescope consists of 4 fixed cylinders with focal-line arrays of antennae sensitive to the frequency range 400-800 MHz, functioning as a transit telescope.  The SPS project uses the millisecond-sampled beams from the CHIME/FRB backend, which provides 1024 static beams on the sky.  By stacking data from multiple days, the SPS search will be sensitive to fainter pulsars than have been discovered by other Northern-Hemisphere searches. Simulations indicate that we should discover several hundred new pulsars. 

The project is aiming for first light in 2022, but there is still significant development work to be done.  The successful candidate will spend 50% of their time on technical software development for SPS, with the other 50% of their time available for related science work. There will be opportunities for observing and for collaboration and conference travel. 

The position will be available as soon as is mutually agreeable, and the appointment will be for two years.  A third year might be possible depending on performance and funding.  Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics not more than 5 years prior to the start date.  Experience in python programming and pulsar searching are essential.  The search pipeline, already under construction, will involve data transfer, individual-day and stacked searches, and comparison of candidates and interference signals across multiple beams.  The candidate should also possess skills in, or be willing and able to quickly learn: system administration, including the Linux platform, networking, user management, and C/C++ programming.  

Only electronic applications will be accepted.  Applicants should send a C.V. and statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent by Jan. 20, 2022 to Prof. Stairs at [email protected] .  

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.  Information on the Department of Physics and Astronomy may be found on the web at www.physics.ubc.ca.