GIRMOS postdoc, Adaptive Optics

NRC-Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (HAA), Victoria, BC, Canada

A Postdoctoral Researcher is required to work on adaptive optics (AO) research, as part of the Gemini Infra-Red Multi-Object Spectrograph (GIRMOS) AO Team. GIRMOS is a fully funded ~$15Mil instrument for the Gemini Observatory (2023 commissioning), and will push Mulit-Object AO (MOAO) forward significantly, leveraging the GeMS Multi-Conjugate AO (MCAO) system currently on Gemini-S for low-order correction.

To support these activities, the GIRMOS-AO Team is developing an extensive laboratory infrastructure, which currently includes an upgraded Raven MOAO demonstrator (commissioned on Subaru in 2014). It will be used to develop and validate the control algorithms, the calibration procedures, and the post-processing software that will be implemented in GIRMOS. The GIRMOS bench includes simulated natural guide stars, simulated atmospheric turbulence, three deformable mirrors, six Shack-Hartmann wave-front sensor (WFS), and two science cameras.

The Postdoc will play a key role in  the GIRMOS AO Lab to carry out MOAO research, developing its capabilities and coordinating the work of students. She/he will also be expected to support GIRMOS-MOAO by providing  AO-related analysis and simulations to support designs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or a closely related field of engineering.  Candidates who will complete all of the requirements for their degree within six months of assuming the position may also be considered.

Experience in conducting cutting edge scientific research related to adaptive optics, modeling AO systems, or at least one of their major components, and hands-on experience will be considered a strong asset.

APPLICATIONS

To apply, please email a resume, 2 reference letters, and a short statement of interest in GIRMOS-MOAO