Postdoctoral Position in Astrophysics Instrumentation & Data Analysis

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Archive Date: 
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of Toronto
Department Name: 
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics
City: 
Toronto
State/Province: 
Ontario
Country: 
Canada
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

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 TIME instrument, a millimeter-wave experiment designed to use line intensity mapping to probe reionization and cosmic star-formation.

The appointee will work as a member of the research group of Prof. Abigail Crites and is expected to contribute to the success of the TIME instrument via design and testing, travel to Kitt Peak for instrument installation, instrument assembly and operation, preparation of data analysis pipelines, and/or data analysis. People with skills in astronomical instrumentation, particularly in the mm-wavelength range, software development for astronomical instruments, and experience in Python are all encouraged to apply. If interested, the appointee will also have an opportunity to work on other projects in the Crites Group including CMB-S4 and CCAT-Prime. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Crites for additional information on the position and on the TIME 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, physics, or a related field at the time of appointment. The other selection criteria for this position are: demonstrated experience in astronomical instrumentation including CAD design and cryogenic instrument assembly, testing, and operation; and demonstrated commitment to working with other lab members to build a team that values the contributions of every member and creating an atmosphere of collaboration, respect, and mutual support. Additional desirable but not essential criteria are: experience with optical design and testing, astronomical data analysis, 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 February 15, 2021. 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 February 15, 2021.

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/17914

Application Deadline: 
Monday, February 15, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, April 30, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Professor Abigail Crites
Institution/Company: 
University of Toronto
Department Name: 
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Institution/Company Job ID or Reference Code: 
17914
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Professor Abigail Crites
Subject: 
Postdoctoral Position in Astrophysics Instrumentation & Data Analysis