Category Archives: PhD Postings

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto invites applications for a tenure-stream appointment in observational astrophysics at the rank of Assistant Professor. The appointment will commence on July 1, 2016.

We seek applicants in any area of observational astrophysics. Applicants must have earned a PhD in a related field at the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter. The successful candidate is expected to establish and lead a dynamic externally funded research program, supervise graduate students, teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and engage in university service activities. The selection will be based primarily on the applicant’s excellence in research and teaching. Excellence in research is evidenced primarily by the quality of published papers and other documents submitted for review. The successful candidate for this position is expected to pursue innovative research at the highest international level, and to continue an established record of publishing articles in the leading academic journals in the field. Participation in major international conferences, presenting research at other highly ranked schools and other noteworthy activities in Astronomy and A
strophysics that contribute to the visibility and prominence of the discipline are assets. Evidence of excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level, including lecture preparation and delivery, curriculum development, and development of online materials/lectures is required. Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated by letters of reference, teaching evaluations, and dossier and/or syllabi submitted as part of the application.

The University of Toronto offers the opportunity to teach, conduct research, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

The Canadian Institute of Astrophysics, the Dunlap Institute, and the Centre for Planetary Studies are all part of the graduate department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Toronto astronomers have access to a wide range of observational facilities with guaranteed access to JWST and TMT upcoming.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. All qualified applicants are invited to apply online. To apply, please visit http://uoft.me/academicopportunities Job#1501012.  Submission guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. We recommend combining attached documents into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae which includes a full list of electronically accessible publications, a research statement, and a teaching statement. All application materials should be submitted online by December 1, 2015.

Applicants should also request that at least three referees send letters directly via email to astrochair@astro.utoronto.ca by December 1, 2015. Please ensure the candidate’s name is included in the subject line and that letters are on letterhead and signed. Requests for more information can be directed in confidence to the same email address.
For further information about the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, please visit www.astro.utoronto.ca.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at York University in Toronto, Canada, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the field of observational astrophysics, to commence July 1, 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter. Candidates with a proven research record of planning, obtaining and analyzing observations to investigate profound questions about our Universe (enabled by facilities to which Canada is contributing, including the TMT, the JWST, and the SKA, and many wide-field survey facilities at all electromagnetic wavelengths) are invited to apply. The successful candidate will be positioned to participate in the scientific design and use of next-generation instrumentation and the planning of proposed future astronomical facilities, as well as to play a significant role in large national and international research projects and collaborations.

The successful candidate will develop a strong, externally funded research program, show excellence or promise of excellence in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and play an active role in York’s highly successful astronomy outreach initiatives. Applicants must have a PhD in Physics or Astronomy along with relevant postdoctoral experience and be eligible for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Observational astronomers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy focus on active galactic nuclei, supernovae, exoplanets, and the evolution of galaxies and their constituents. Theoreticians focus on dark matter, early Universe cosmology, general relativity, and the analysis of measurements of the cosmic microwave background and large scale structure. The development of synergies between theory and observation is highly valued in the Department. Further information about the Department and the University can be found at http://www.physics.yorku.ca.

All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval. To guarantee full consideration, applications should be received before Dec. 1, 2015. Applicants should submit a CV, a three-page summary of key research contributions and outline of research plans, and a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, and should arrange for three signed letters of recommendation to be sent on their behalf. All materials should be submitted electronically throughhttps://academicjobsonline.org/.

York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The AA Program, which applies to Aboriginal people, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and women, can be found at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or by calling the AA office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Questions about the application process can be directed to Marlene Caplan (marlene@yorku.ca).

Science Computing Specialist
NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics
Victoria – British Columbia
RCO, English
This is a 3 years term position.
Assignments and secondments may be considered according to NRC’s policies.
________________________________________
Your Challenge

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada’s premiere research and technology organization.
We are looking for a Science Computing Specialist to support NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (HAA) in Victoria, BC. The Science Computing Specialist would be someone who shares our core values of impact, accountability, leadership, integrity and collaboration.
The Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC) is an inter-disciplinary team of approximately twenty scientists, software engineers, and operations staff. The CADC has developed a set of sophisticated tools and services to support and enhance the research efforts of Canadian (and international) astronomers. The CADC continues to expand its role by partnering with the Canadian Advanced Network For Astronomical Research (CANFAR) and Compute Canada (CC) to integrate its services with cloud-computing and storage technologies.
Working under the direction of the Group Leader, Optical Astronomy (CADC), you will provide scientific and computing support for researchers using the CANFAR platform, analysing their workflow and providing suggestions for how to best utilize CANFAR and CADC services, analysing problems with CANFAR/CC services and working with the various teams to define and, where necessary, implement solutions.
You will also support the migration of CADC and CANFAR services to CC infrastructure, acting as a technical liaison between CADC/CANFAR operations staff and software developers and CC support staff: this will require you to develop a detailed understanding of CADC/CANFAR services and advocate for CC technical solutions that fit their needs.
This work involves expert-level understanding of astronomical research processes, data, and software, knowledge of the OpenStack platform and related processing and cloud-computing technologies, and the ability to gather and write clear planning and requirements documents. Given the close work with large scientific collaborations, there will be opportunity to contribute scientifically within these teams.

Screening Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates.
Education
Ph.D. in astronomy or astrophysics.

Experience
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team that provides support to astronomical researchers, particularly in research computing.
Experience providing user and system support in a technical or research computing environment.
Experience with a variety of virtualization and Infrastructure-as-a-Service technologies (IaaS).
Significant experience configuring and administering systems running the Linux operating system
Experience developing software using Python, shell scripting, C/C++ and/or Java, and databases.
Experience with a wide range of packages and languages used in astronomy.
A record of publication of original research in peer-reviewed publications is required to demonstrate experience.
Experience in database application programming would be considered an asset.
Experience with systems orchestration and configuration management would be considered an asset.
Experience in science and software requirements development or in developing software in a team environment with external stakeholders would be considered an asset.

Equivalency
Candidates possessing a combination of a graduate degree in a related field and relevant experience in astronomy/astrophysics may be considered.

Language Requirements
English
Assessment Criteria
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
Technical Competencies
Advanced knowledge of current observational techniques and associated data reduction techniques.
Expert knowledge of the astronomy/astrophysics research processes.
Solid knowledge of OpenStack components and client tools.
Knowledge of virtualization and IaaS technologies besides OpenStack.
Solid knowledge of software development in Python and shell scripting languages, C/C++ and/or Java, and databases.
Advanced knowledge of astronomical software tools and packages.
Solid knowledge of HTCondor.
Solid working knowledge of statistical analysis.
Demonstrated ability to arrive at innovative solutions to astronomical processing problems.
Demonstrated ability to efficiently produce clear, well-structured, and well-written technical documentation.
Ability to relate astronomical data analysis methodologies to non-astronomers.
Knowledge of the basic goals and protocols of the Virtual Observatory would be considered an asset.

Behavioural Competencies
Creative Thinking (level 3)
Teamwork (level 2)
Communication (level 2)
Results Orientation (level 2)
For this position, NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s):
Research

View all competency profiles.

Salary Range
This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. The RCO group uses a person-based classification system instead of the more common duties-based classification system. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, skill, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $49,670 to $140,418 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
Relocation
Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with NRC’s directives.
Notes
An eligibility list may be established for similar positions.
Some travelling may be required.
This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously, however first consideration will be given to internal NRC applicants.
In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience.
Job description available upon request.
We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
Closing Date
Posted until filled.
Application Process:
Please read the following instructions carefully to ensure efficient processing of your application:
Résumés must be submitted by e-mail using the “Send Resume” button. Please do not modify the subject line of the email and ensure that you answer all of the pre-populated application questions found in the email. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.
The NRC is an employer who values diversity in its workforce.
Accommodation is available to all candidates retained for further assessment.
CONTACT PERSON:
Telephone: 613-991-2024
Email: NRC.ExtHiring-EmbaucheExt.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Tier I Canada Research Chair – Astronomy

The Saint Mary’s University Department of Astronomy and Physics invites applications from researchers in any area of astronomy and astrophysics to be the University’s nominee for our Tier I Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Astronomy. The successful candidate will be nominated by the University to the CRC Secretariat and, if approved, will be appointed as a regular faculty member to a tenure-track position at the Associate or Full Professor level. The CRC Program was established by the Government of Canada to enable Canadian Universities to achieve the highest levels of research excellence in the global, knowledge-based economy. Tier I CRCs are awarded to individuals who are outstanding researchers in their fields, acknowledged as world leaders (see www.chairs.gc.ca for details). The University has identified astronomy, computational sciences, and subatomic physics as one of its five major research themes. More details may be found at http://www.smu.ca/webfiles/SRP-Senateappro
ved.pdf. Saint Mary’s University recognizes the long and continuing record of excellence from the Department in this area of research and accordingly has allocated astronomy researchers two CRCs (this position and a Tier II Chair, already occupied).

The Department is the regional centre for astronomy in Atlantic Canada, and consists of ten faculty members, all with active research efforts in observational astronomy, theoretical and computational astrophysics, and experimental subatomic physics. The Department offers both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in astronomy, as well as undergraduate physics and astrophysics programs. The University also hosts the Institute for Computational Astrophysics (ICA). The ICA is an institute promoting computational astrophysics in the broadest possible terms; tackling complex astrophysical phenomena through numerical simulation, and advancing discoveries utilizing “big data” from large multinational observational facilities. The Tier I CRC candidate may be considered for directorship of the ICA. Observers in the Department are active participants in Astro-H, JWST, and users of many international observatories. ICA members are active in the local HPC consortium, ACEnet, as well as Compute Can
ada, while the subatomic physicists are frequent users of TRIUMF, Jefferson Lab, and other world facilities. For a more complete account of departmental activities, see 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. Halifax is a major educational and economic centre for Atlantic Canada and is home to five universities. It is conveniently located close to recreational areas and to other major urban centres in Canada and the Northeastern United States. A public university with over 7,000 students, Saint Mary’s University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university is committed to serving the local, regional, national, and international communities, and integrating such activity as part of the learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. The University has gone through significant renewal in the past decade, with over 250 full-time faculty involved in innovative teaching, research and service. Interdisciplinary studies are a prominent feature and strength of the University. For information about the University a
nd the Faculty of Science, please see our website at 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. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

The search committee will begin considering applications on August 17th, 2015. Interviews of short-listed candidates will commence in September. Please submit your C.V. along with a statement of research interests, a research proposal (maximum of five pages) for the purpose of the CRC nomination, a teaching dossier, and the names and addresses of four referees to:

Chair, Search Committee – Tier I CRC
Department of Astronomy and Physics
Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3C3
Fax: (902) 496-8218
Web: www.ap.smu.ca
Email: CRCsearch@ap.smu.ca

Applications will be reviewed starting September 15, 2015.

Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec (www.ubishops.ca) has an opening for a Tier2 Canada Research Chair position. The STAR Research cluster (www.ubishops.ca/star) welcomes applications in one or more of the following areas: cosmology, astroparticle physics, interacting binaries, compact objects, exoplanets, classical and quantum gravity, and their interface with mathematical physics.

The CRC program was created by the Government of Canada to cultivate world-class research and development.  Applicants for these positions should possess a PhD (or equivalent), have a superior research profile in one of the proposed areas, demonstrate the ability to obtain external funding, and demonstrate potential to emerge as an internationally recognized scholar. Teaching duties consist of two (3 credit hours each) semester-length courses per academic year. A strong teaching record is also beneficial. Bilingualism/multilingualism is an asset.

Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been active researchers in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, including maternity leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please contact Bishop’s Research Office for eligibility details and the CRC for website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s3).

The CRC will be awarded for a five year period, renewable once upon approval from the CRC program in Ottawa.

Bishop’s University welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified men and women, including aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Canadians and permanent residents should indicate their citizenship status in their applications. Bishop’s University is an equal opportunity employer.

Application packages, which should include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, statement of research achievements and future objectives, evidence of teaching effectiveness and the names and contact information of at least three referees, must be sent by email to Sylvie Cote, Director of Research Services at scote@ubishops.ca.

Applications will be reviewed starting September 15, 2015 and will continue to be accepted until a nominee is chosen. Ideally, the nominee will submit a full application package to the CRC program in April 2016. Start date to be negotiated.

For further information, please contact Miles Turnbull, Vice-Principal Academic, responsible for research or consult the CRC website at www.chairs.gc.ca.

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2015.

This position is a joint appointment between the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (OMM) and the Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx – http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/). OMM is actively involved in the development of astronomical instrumentation for ground- and space-based facilities. iREx, recently created at Université de Montréal (UdeM), brings together professors, researchers and students specialized in the detection and characterization of exoplanets and related science themes.

We invite applications for a research associate position to contribute to the development of the Fine Guidance Sensor/Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph – http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/?p=1513&lang=en -, the Canadian-built instrument onboard the James Webb Space telescope (JWST), funded by the Canadian Space Agency.

The successful candidate, located within the physics department at UdeM, is expected to play a leading role, 80% of its time, for the development of the NIRISS instrument, more specifically for data pipeline development, data analysis and simulations tools. We are also seeking a candidate with a strong experience in exoplanet research. The successful candidate will have 20% of its time to conduct research programs related to exoplanets.

Candidates should have a PhD in physics or astronomy with strong background in the development of complex data pipeline for ground- and/or space-based instruments along with experience in exoplanet research. The term of employment is initially for two years. It is renewable annually, subject to performance and the availability of funding.

The successful candidate could start as early as May 1st 2015. Salary will be commensurate with experience and be competitive with leading international research centers. Review of applications will begin April 1, 2015.

Please send a CV, list of publications, and statement of significant research contributions electronically (in pdf format) to: Prof. René Doyon – irex@astro.umontreal.ca – and ask three references to email letters of recommendation directly to the same address.

Review of materials begins February 1, 2015.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manitoba invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow working with Professors Stefi Baum and Chris O’Dea on multi-wavelength observational studies of Active Galactic Nuclei and/or Clusters of Galaxies.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in astronomy, physics, or a related subject by the appointment start. The initial appointment will be for one year, renewable for a second and third year upon mutual agreement and availability of funding. The starting date is negotiable between the summer and early fall.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, publication list, and a statement of research interests. Three letters of reference should also be submitted. All information should be emailed to Christopher.O’Dea@umanitoba.ca. Review of materials will begin February 1, 2015.

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 diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from qualified women and men, visible minority group members, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of “The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” (Manitoba). Please note that your curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

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