Postdoctoral Position in CMB Analysis and Pipeline Development

The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto seeks to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work on scientific and technical problems related to the Simons Observatory (SO) Collaboration, a microwave experiment under construction in the Atacama desert.

The appointee is expected to contribute to the success of the SO collaboration via the development of relevant software, data processing working under the direct supervision of Prof. Renée Hložek and Prof. Adam Hincks and in partnership with the SO Data Manager and the SO Pipeline Working Group (PWG). 50% of the research time for the position will directly be related to SO pipeline development, applicants will also be encouraged to conduct independent research in areas relevant to SO science. People with skills in collaborative software development and in analysis of CMB time-ordered data, and with experience in python, C++ and HPC systems are all encouraged to apply. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Hložek for additional information on the position and on the SO collaboration before submitting their application.

The Dunlap Institute pursues groundbreaking astronomical research across the electromagnetic spectrum, through innovative approaches to instrumentation, data-driven science and observations, alongside a substantive commitment to outreach and training. The Dunlap Institute is co-located with and has strong ties to the University of Toronto’s David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DADDAA) and to the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA). These three units together host more than 150 staff and students in astronomy, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observations, computation and theory. The Dunlap Institute is located on a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world’s great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Toronto offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor pursuits, outstanding food and music, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community.

Applicants must have earned a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field at the time of appointment. Applicants should have a PhD awarded on or after January 1, 2016 (career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances will be accommodated, and should be noted in the cover letter). The other selection criteria for this position are demonstrated experience in processing of large astronomical surveys, pipelines or catalogs; and evidence of proficiency in oral and written communication. Additional desirable but not essential criteria are: prior expertise in CMB analysis and cosmological inference; and a demonstrated ability to supervise research students. The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of further extensions. The position comes with an annual starting salary of CAD $66,330 plus generous benefits, an annual research allowance, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional research funds from the Dunlap Institute.

The Dunlap Institute is committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, racialized people, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. Subject to immigration regulations, the successful candidate will be given the option to take up the position as a part-time appointment if needed (e.g., for parental leave). Such a request need not be made as part of a candidate's initial application.

The nominal starting date for the position is October 1, 2021. All application materials must be submitted online at AcademicJobsOnline by December 15, 2020. Applicants should submit (in PDF format): a cover letter explicitly addressing the above selection criteria; a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a one-page summary of future research interests. Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of reference (on letterhead and signed) uploaded through AcademicJobsOnline directly by the writers by December 15, 2020.

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.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

To apply online, please go to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/17355