Postdoctoral Position on Radio Astronomy Software and Pipelines, Canadian Initiative for Radio Astronomy Data Analysis

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Archive Date: 
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Post-doctoral Positions and Fellowships
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
University of Manitoba
Department Name: 
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Street Line 1: 
30A Sifton Rd
Street Line 2: 
Allen Physics Bldg.
City: 
Winnipeg
State/Province: 
Manitoba
Zip/Postal: 
R3T 2N2
Country: 
Canada
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

Postdoctoral Position on Radio Astronomy Software and Pipelines, Canadian Initiative for Radio Astronomy Data Analysis

Position Description:

A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the Dept of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manitoba, in Manitoba, Canada, under the direction of Profs. Chris O’Dea and Stefi Baum. The successful candidate will join a Canada-wide project team, the Canadian Initiative for Radio Astronomy Data Analysis, (CIRADA), which is converting the enormous raw data streams from next-generation radio telescopes into sophisticated digital databases that astronomers can use to make new discoveries. The appointee will work in close collaboration with CIRADA’s Project Management Office and Lead Software Developer at the University of Toronto, and with external scientific collaborators.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include: optimizing and developing software tools that can process QuickLook and Single Epoch images from the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) to produce science ready data products; performing quality assurance tests on software products, validation & verification of data products; supporting database development and data visualization activities for these products; producing detailed documentation to enable the use of software and data products by the international astronomy community; ensuring that all components are interoperable and meet scientific and technical specifications. There is funding available to provide time for independent research for appropriately qualified candidates. The relevant selection criteria are listed below; candidates should explicitly explain how they meet the relevant criteria as part of their application.

Qualifications:

The following experience, expertise and qualifications are highly desired:

A PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or equivalent, held at the time of appointment, and awarded no earlier than January 1, 2017 (career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances will be accommodated, and should be noted in the cover letter).

experience in astronomy software development,

demonstrated research experience in extragalactic continuum radio astronomy,

experience working with large databases or large datasets,

experience in interpretation and quality assurance of data from radio telescopes or similar,

experience with Bayesian analysis.

advanced skills in Python,

knowledge of git or similar version control systems, software debugging/bug-tracking/documentation etc,

ability to follow instructions and work both independently and collaboratively,

a strong ability to multi-task and to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements,

demonstrated skill at oral and written communication, and

superior problem solving and analytical ability.

The following additional expertise is desired but not essential:

experience with neural networks and/or machine learning.

Additional Information:

The University of Manitoba is situated in Winnipeg, a city of 800,000 people on the Canadian prairies, close to many lakes and nature reserves. The cost of living is relatively low, housing is affordable, and Manitoba is renowned for its friendliness.

The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

https://science.nrao.edu/vlass

https://cirada.ca/

https://sci.umanitoba.ca/physics-astronomy/

https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/plan/about-winnipeg

https://umanitoba.ca/careers/benefits-policies-and-procedures

We offer:

- Full-time or part-time employment at University of Manitoba with a negotiable starting date but ideally as soon as possible. The term is two years.

- A competitive salary $50,000 CAD per year with benefits depending on qualifications and seniority.

-Please note that curricula vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

-Applications will be accepted until September 1, 2021

To apply, please send a cover letter and statement of past research experience, and have 3 letters of reference emailed to Prof. Chris O’Dea

For more information please contact Prof. Chris O'Dea, email: [email protected]

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only. Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (Manitoba).

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, October 1, 2021
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Chris O'Dea
Institution/Company: 
University of Manitoba
Department Name: 
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
City: 
Winnipeg
State/Province: 
Manitoba
Country: 
Canada
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Chris O'Dea
Subject: 
CIRADA postdoc application