Category Archives: PhD Postings

http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/?p=4686&lang=en

We are happy to announce three new MSc/PhD positions in exoplanet science at the Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) at Université de Montréal. The three students will work in Professor Björn Benneke’s new group on the characterization and discovery of exoplanets and their atmospheres.

Professor Benneke is arriving at UdeM with state-of-art atmospheric modeling tools and a wide range of exciting new data sets from the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and the 10-meter Keck telescopes. Among other things Professor Benneke is the principle investigator of the largest Hubble Space Telescope program to characterize super-Earths as well as a large Keck Telescope program to study giant exoplanets.

Topics that the MSc/PhD student will be able to work on include:
– Exploring the diversity of planetary atmospheres on super-Earths using Hubble Space Telescope transit spectroscopy.
– Probing the formation of giants planets using high-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy from Keck telescopes.
– Exploring and understanding the exotic nature of clouds on exoplanets.
– Discovery and initial characterization of prime targets for future JWST characterization using K2, TESS, and ground-based follow-up.

Applicants must have an undergraduate or a Master degree in physics. Interested applicants can contact Professor Benneke directly at bbenneke@astro.umontreal.ca before 2017 February 15th. For more information on Professor Benneke’s work, please also see his webpage: http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/?page_id=4476&lang=en or contact him.

The Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) consists of a growing team of about 40 people (professors, postdocs, research assistants and students) from UdeM and McGill all working on various research programs focused on the study of exoplanets and related fields of stellar astrophysics. Members of iREx are actively involved in large international projects related to the detection and characterization of exoplanets, notably the future James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Gemini Planet Imager and the infrared spectrographs SPIRou and NIRPS. More information on iREx research projects here: http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/?page_id=1230&lang=en. Working languages at iREx are French and English. Université de Montréal is a French institution. Support will be offered to students to learn French if necessary.

For more information on iREx, contact Marie-Eve Naud, iREx scientific coordinator: naud@astro.umontreal.ca.
For more information on UdeM application process contact Sophie Tremblay, Technicienne en gestion des dossiers étudiants des cycles supérieurs: sophie.tremblay.2@umontreal.ca and/or see the webpages
https://admission.umontreal.ca/programmes/maitrise-en-physique/admission-et-reglements/
https://admission.umontreal.ca/programmes/doctorat-en-physique/admission-et-reglements/

Research Associate, Adaptive Optics NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL of CANADA (NRC)
Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
5071 West Saanich Road
Victoria, BC V9E 2E7
CANADA
Fax : (613) 990-1286
Telephone: (613) 949-7685
E-mail enquiries: HRQuestionsRH_CG1@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
Related URLs:  http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/careers/jobpost.nsf/PostbyCity_E
Further information on NRC Herzberg can be found at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/rd/nsi/index.html
Information on NRC Herzberg staff and their research interests is available at http://bit.ly/2aoT8tf
Proposed start date:  Summer 2017

A Research Associate is required to work on adaptive optics (AO) research, as part of the National Research Council of Canada’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Portfolio (HAA) Adaptive Optics (AO) Team. The HAA-AO Team is currently involved in a number of international projects, which include the Gemini Planet Image (GPI) and the Narrow Field Infra-Red AO System (NFIRAOS), the first light Multi-Conjugate AO (MCAO) system for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The GPI instrument is in operation but will soon require upgrades. The NFIRAOS project is in its final design phase. In addition, the AO Team is also engaged in an ambitious R&D program focussed on advanced wave-front sensing and wide-field AO.
To support these activities, the HAA-AO Team has developed an extensive laboratory infrastructure (AO Lab), which currently includes two optical benches. The first is an MCAO bench called Herzberg NFIRAOS Optical Simulator (HENOS). HENOS is a scaled down model of NFIRAOS and is used develop and validate the control algorithms, the calibration procedures, and the post-processing software that will be implemented in NFIRAOS. The HENOS bench includes simulated natural and laser guide stars, simulated atmospheric turbulence, two deformable mirrors, one Shack-Hartmann wave-front sensor (WFS), one pyramid WFS and a science camera. The second bench is dedicated to exploring novel wave-front sensing techniques, including pyramid WFSs and non-linear techniques such as phase diversity. Plans are also in the works to deploy a third bench dedicated to high-contrast imaging. The HAA-AO Team engages with graduate students (typically three to four at any given time) from the University of V
ictoria and elsewhere in Canada, who use the AO Lab to carry out their research projects.
The Research Associate will play a key role in using the AO Lab to carry out original AO research, developing its capabilities and coordinating the work of the graduate students. He/she will also be expected to support on-going projects such as NFIRAOS by providing critical AO-related analysis to help progress designs.
Applicants must have acquired their Ph.D. within the last five years or expect to obtain their degree before taking up the position. Applications should be made by 10 February 2017 via the process described at the URL provided.

NRC is an equal opportunity employer.
Vous pouvez obtenir ces renseignements en français au site web indiqué ci-haut.

The Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University invites applications for a Tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with specialization in astrophysics and particle astrophysics. The expected starting date for the position is July 1, 2017. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scientist who will establish an excellent research program and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and supervision. In exceptional cases, candidates above the level of Assistant Professor may be considered.

Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. The Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy at Queen’s University has 28 Faculty members working in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics and optics, engineering and applied physics, and particle astrophysics. We are located in historic Kingston on the shores of Lake Ontario. Kingston’s residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life with a wide range of cultural, recreational, and creative opportunities.

Queen’s is playing a lead role in the establishment of the Canadian Particle Astrophysics Research Centre (CPARC), an ambitious new program funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). A major goal of CPARC includes building a powerful research team contributing to the many diverse requirements of a world-leading particle astrophysics research program. This includes the development of particle astrophysics experiments and theory, observational and theoretical astrophysics, detector design, and the development of tools and techniques for calibration, material screening and low level radio-purification. To achieve this, CPARC aims to benefit from and strengthen cross-disciplinary expertise at Queen’s between Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy (particle astrophysics and detector development), Chemistry (radio-analytical chemistry), Geological Sciences (Facility for Isotopic Research) and Mechanical and Materials Engineering (Reactor Materials Testing
Laboratory). The University anticipates hiring seven faculty members associated with CPARC, in addition to a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) particle astrophysics theorist, to complement its current team of research scientists, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. An additional seven faculty hires are being strategically targeted at collaborating institutions across Canada to significantly enhance this world-renowned particle astrophysics program. For further information please see www.cparc.ca.

Please go to

http://www.queensu.ca/physics/employment-tenure-track-position-astrophysics-and-particle-astrophysics

to view the full job ad and for instructions on how to apply.

The Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The anticipated start date is July 1st, 2017. The Department is particularly interested in applicants in the area of computational astrophysics but candidates from other areas of astronomy and astrophysics are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. in a related field and the ability to develop and maintain an innovative, externally-funded research program, and supervise graduate students. The successful candidate will be committed to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and will be expected to play an active service role at the University.

Saint Mary’s University identifies astronomy, computational sciences, and subatomic physics collectively as one of its five major research themes. The Department of Astronomy and Physics is the centre for astronomy research in Atlantic Canada, and consists of ten full-time faculty members, all with active research efforts in observational astronomy, theoretical and computational astrophysics, and experimental subatomic physics. Additionally, the University hosts the Institute for Computational Astrophysics (ICA), an institute focused on promoting computational astrophysics in the broadest possible terms, including the tackling of complex astrophysical phenomena through numerical simulation and advancing discoveries utilizing “big data” from large multinational observational facilities. Observational astronomers in the Department are eligible for Canadian time on observatories including Gemini, CFHT, ALMA, Astrosat, and JCMT as well as JWST and TMT while ICA members are active users of Compute Canada HPC facilities. Our subatomic physicists are frequent users of TRIUMF, Jefferson Lab, GSI, and other world facilities. The Department offers B.Sc. Major and Honours programs in Astrophysics and in Physics, and faculty members supervise graduate students in M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Astronomy and in Applied Science. For a more complete account of Department activities, please see http://www.ap.smu.ca.

Saint Mary’s is located in the historic port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, a vibrant, urban community of over 350,000 people that is a major educational and economic centre for Atlantic Canada and is home to five universities. The city is conveniently located close to recreational areas and major urban centres in Canada and the northeastern United States. A public university with over 7,000 students, Saint Mary’s offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University has gone through significant renewal in the past decade and has over 250 full-time faculty involved in innovative teaching, research, and service. For more information about the University and the Faculty of Science, please see http://science.smu.ca/.

Saint Mary’s University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principles of employment equity. Saint Mary’s University encourages applications from qualified women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities. In keeping with Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on February 1st, 2017. Applications should include a cover letter specifically addressing the applicant’s interest in working at Saint Mary’s University and detailing the applicant’s scholarly research interests; a CV; a research plan; a teaching dossier (including a teaching philosophy statement, and any evidence of teaching effectiveness); and the names and contact information of three references. Please arrange for the three recommendation letters to be sent directly to the address below.

Applications should be sent via email, as a single PDF file to search@ap.smu.ca
or via mail to:
Dr. Marcin Sawicki, Chairperson
Department of Astronomy and Physics
Saint Mary’s University
923 Robie Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 3C3

Inquiries may be sent to: search@ap.smu.ca

The Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx), affiliated with the physics department of the University of Montreal (UdeM), invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in astrophysics applied to the study of exoplanets.

The iREx consists of a growing team of about 40 people (professors, postdocs, research assistants and students) from UdeM and McGill all working on various research programs focused on the study of exoplanets and related fields of stellar astrophysics. Members of iREx are actively involved in large international projects related to the detection and characterization of exoplanets, notably the future James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Gemini Planet Imager, SPIRou and NIRPS. In addition, iREx researchers will have access to guaranteed observing time with the JWST, SPIRou and NIRPS. More information on iREx research programs can be found here: http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/?page_id=1230&lang=en.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a statement of research interests not to exceed 2 pages, and should arrange to have three referees send a letter of reference.

Preference is given to applicants within 3 years of the PhD. All application materials including letters of reference must be received electronically at the following address: irex@astro.umontreal.ca, by the deadline of December 5th, 2016.

The successful applicant is expected to start between June and September 2017. The position is for two years, renewable for a third one subject to performance and availability of funds.

Social Benefits:
Postdoctoral researchers at UdeM enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, see
http://www.fesp.umontreal.ca/fileadmin/Documents/PDF/GuideStagiairePostdoctoral_Eng.pdf

Message:
CITA is a national centre for theoretical astrophysics located at the University of Toronto. The Institute expects to offer several postdoctoral fellowships of three years. The starting date will be September 1, 2017. Funds will be available for travel and other research expenses. A Ph.D. in any field of theoretical astrophysics is required. Fellows are expected to carry out original research in theoretical astrophysics under the general supervision of the permanent faculty whose interests include: cosmology, interstellar matter, galaxy, star and planet formation, solar physics, high energy astrophysics, numerical relativity and gravitational waves.

Please apply online at: https://icat.cita.utoronto.ca/pdf
Full job ad: http://www.cita.utoronto.ca/opportunities/post-docs

We only accept electronic submissions. Applicants will be asked to submit a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and arrange for three letters of recommendation. The deadline for applications and all letters of recommendation is November 15, 2016.

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.

Email Submission Address: fellowships@dunlap.utoronto.ca
Attention To: Prof Bryan Gaensler, Director
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto
50 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H4 Canada

Email Address for Inquiries: director@dunlap.utoronto.ca

Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: November 1, 2016

Related URLs:
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics: dunlap.utoronto.ca
Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics: astro.utoronto.ca
Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics: cita.utoronto.ca
Center for Planetary Sciences: cps.utoronto.ca
______________________________________________________________________

The University of Toronto invites applications for Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships within the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. This growing unit pursues groundbreaking research in experimental astrophysics, in close collaboration with Toronto colleagues in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DAA), the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Center for Planetary Sciences (CPS).

Dunlap Fellows are expected to conduct a program of original research either independently or in collaboration with others at the University, and will be offered professional development and mentoring across a range of areas relevant to a scientific career. Exceptional candidates in instrumentation, software, or observation are encouraged to apply. Fellows have access to laboratories, computing clusters and fabrication facilities, and can propose for additional support for their experimental or computational plans. Dunlap Fellows are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Institute’s outreach and training initiatives. The range of activities and opportunities in research, outreach and training can be seen in the annual reports on the Dunlap Institute’s web site.

The Dunlap Institute, DAA, CITA and CPS together host over 130 staff and students in astronomy, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observation, 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.

The Dunlap Institute is committed to a flexible and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from qualified women and men, members of visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and potential two-body hires. Subject to immigration regulations, successful candidates will be given the option to take up their Fellowships as part-time appointments (such a request need not be made as part of a candidate’s initial application).

Appointments are initially for three years, with a subsequent possibility of extension for one further year subject to outstanding performance in public outreach and education activities.. Dunlap Fellowships include an annual salary of CAD $68000 plus generous benefits, a research allowance of CAD $18000 per year, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional research funds from the Dunlap Institute.

The approximate expected starting date is September 1, 2017. Applicants should send a cover letter including a summary of their research program not to exceed 300 words, a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a statement of research interests not to exceed 3 pages, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to fellowships@dunlap.utoronto.ca by November 1, 2016.

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.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in the area of astronomy and astrophysics. The appointment will be effective July 1, 2017.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, or related fields, and are expected to possess an exemplary, internationally recognized research record, with exceptional promise for future achievements, and a commitment to graduate and undergraduate education in physics and astronomy. Applicants with an outstanding record in an area of astronomy or astrophysics that will enhance and/or complement the strengths of the astronomy group, and a commitment to excellence in teaching that will enhance the Department’s programs, are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy (http://www.uvic.ca/science/physics/) consists of 22 faculty members with research interests in astronomy and astrophysics, particle physics, condensed matter physics, medical physics and ocean physics. The vibrant astronomy group, consisting of seven faculty members, benefits from close relations with the nearby NRC Herzberg facility and its staff, telescopes and instrumentation, and also has full access to all Canadian facilities. The newly formed Astronomy Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Victoria draws membership from the departmental Astronomy group, scientists at NRC Herzberg, and at the nearby TRIUMF laboratory. For more information on the research programs within ARC, see http://www.uvic.ca/arc/.

The preferred method of application is via http://AcademicJobsOnline.org/. A complete application will comprise a cover letter, a CV (including a publication list), a statement of research interests and plans, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, and confidential letters from at least three referees.

Please note that you are asked to upload your CV and other personal information to this service, which is provided for the convenience of you and your referees. The service stores its data on servers located outside of Canada; the data is therefore not in the custody of or under the control of the University of Victoria. You may wish to review the privacy statement on https://academicjobsonline.org/. If you do not wish to use this service, please email Megan Nell, Assistant to the Chair, at phast@uvic.ca<mailto:phast@uvic.ca> for application instructions.

Questions about the position are welcome and can be addressed to the Chair of Physics of Astronomy, Dr. Adam Ritz (chair@phys.uvic.ca<mailto:chair@phys.uvic.ca>).

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2016.

The University of Victoria is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.
Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (http://www.uvicfa.ca).

The University of Victoria is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Grace Wong Sneddon, Adviser to the Provost on Equity and Diversity at (250) 721-6143. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Manitoba

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time position as Head at the rank of tenured Professor, commencing July 1, 2017, or on a date mutually agreed upon. The Department seeks an established scholar with a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Outstanding candidates in any area of physics and astronomy will be considered, with particular emphasis on candidates who will complement or extend the department’s strengths in atomic, molecular and optical physics, astronomy and astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, medical physics, subatomic physics, and theoretical physics. The successful candidate will have a track record of high quality scholarly research leading to peer assessed publications, will have established an independent, innovative, scholarly, externally fundable research program, will have demonstrated outstanding teaching contributions, will have demonstrated strong administrative, leadership and management skills, and will exhibit evidence of the ability to work in a collaborative environment. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To enhance our department and create role models for a diverse population of students, we particularly invite application from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including women, Indigenous peoples, other visible minorities, and those committed to a diverse environment.

The Department currently has 20 full time tenured and tenure track faculty members and 2 Instructors, and offers a full range of undergraduate programs, including Honours and Major programs with Astronomy, Physics and Medical/Biological options and Joint Honours programs in Physics/Chemistry, Physics/Computer Science and Physics/Mathematics, as well as graduate programs in all of the research specializations. The Department hosts a variety of vibrant and well-equipped individual and collaborative research programs. Research is also conducted at major national and international astrophysics and subatomic physics facilities and has access to high performance computing. Medical physics research is conducted in collaboration with CancerCare Manitoba. The Department maintains strong research links with other University of Manitoba departments and institutes including Chemistry, Radiology, Civil Engineering, Biological Sciences and the Manitoba Institute for Materials. Further information about the Department can be obtained from http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/science/departments/physics/index.html.

Winnipeg is the largest city in the Province of Manitoba. The city has a rich cultural environment, including symphony, opera, dance, theatre, and ethnic festivals. The region provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in all seasons. Learn more about Winnipeg at http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/.

The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, 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.

Applications including a curriculum vitae, a description of teaching philosophy, a summary of research interests, a three page research plan, a statement of leadership and management philosophy, and contact information for three references should be sent to: peter.loewen@umanitoba.ca (PDF files preferred). Please ensure to specify position number (21964 and BJ473) in the application. For further information contact the Search Committee Chair at: peter.loewen@umanitoba.ca.

The closing date for receipt of applications is October 15, 2016 or until position is filled.

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 Act” (Manitoba). Please note that curricula vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

For more information on this and other opportunities, please visit: http://umanitoba.ca/employment.