Postdoctoral Position in Astrophysical Transient Research

The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto (UofT) and the Racah Institute of Physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) seek to jointly appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work on astrophysical transients. The appointment will be for four years: two years at UofT and two years at HUJI (with the ordering as per the preference of the successful candidate).

As part of a new partnership between UofT and HUJI involving 7 faculty (Maria Drout, Bryan Gaensler, Assaf Horesh, Chris Matzner, Re’em Sari, Nicholas Stone, Jeremy Webb) and several PhD students, we seek applicants interested in one or more of the following topics:

• tidal disruption events (TDEs), quasi periodic eruptions (QPEs) and micro-TDEs
• fast blue optical transients
• fast radio bursts
• gravitational-wave events and their electromagnetic counterparts
• compact objects and mergers in globular and nuclear star clusters

Researchers with interest in observations, theory and/or computation related to any of the above topics are encouraged to apply. The appointee is expected to collaborate with faculty and students in our team, to play leadership roles in some of the research projects being pursued within this partnership, and to develop independent research projects. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to contact project leads Bryan Gaensler ([email protected]) or Assaf Horesh ([email protected]) for additional information on the position and on the collaboration before submitting their application.

The Dunlap Institute pursues groundbreaking astronomical research through innovative approaches to instrumentation, data-driven science and observations. 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 faculty, postdocs, staff and students, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observations, computation and theory.

Researchers at the Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science in the Racah Institute of Physics are pursuing the answers to some of the top open questions in astronomy using advanced theoretical and observational approaches. The center hosts about 50 faculty members, postdoctoral researchers and students, who conduct diverse theoretical, computational and observational research programs.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field at the time of commencement, awarded on or after January 1, 2018 (career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances will be accommodated, and should be noted in the cover letter)

• Expertise in observations, theory and/or computation related to one or more of the topics listed above (or a closely related area)
• Proficiency in written and oral communication (as evidenced by outputs such as refereed journal publications, conference talks, grants, observing/computing proposals, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to perform original research both independently and as part of a team
• Experience in supervision and mentoring of research students.

The position has a starting annual salary of CAD$66,996 plus generous benefits, an annual research allowance, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional research funds.

The Dunlap Institute and the Racah Institute are both 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.

The nominal starting date for the position is September 1, 2023. All application materials must be submitted online at AcademicJobsOnline by December 1, 2022. Applicants should submit (in PDF format): a cover letter explicitly addressing the above selection criteria; a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a two-page summary of current and 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 1, 2022.

The normal hours of work at the University of Toronto 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, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

To apply online, please go to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22885