Shared Postdoctoral Position in Precision Radial Velocity Studies of Exoplanets (McMaster & Grenoble)

The exoplanetary research groups at McMaster University and l’Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) invite applications for a shared, full-time postdoctoral position in the field of precise radial velocity (RV) studies of exoplanets. The successful applicant will work under the joint supervision of Dr. Ryan Cloutier (McMaster) and Dr. Xavier Bonfils (UGA).

The successful applicant will join the NIRPS (https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/lasilla/36/nirps/) GTO science team and enjoy access to data from its ongoing GTO program. NIRPS is a precise near-IR RV spectrograph that was recently commissioned on the ESO 3.6m telescope in Chile and is operating alongside the HARPS optical spectrograph. Work hours will be split between focused (80%) and independent research programs (20%) with the former focusing on NIRPS+HARPS data analysis to characterize the global architectures of M dwarf exoplanetary systems. We particularly invite applicants whose scientific backgrounds include leveraging observations to discover and characterize exoplanetary systems.

The duration of the appointment is 36 months with the first 18 months to be spent at McMaster before transferring to UGA for the remainder of the appointment. Master University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and UGA in Grenoble, France. Considerations for a term extension are conditional on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The start date of the position is negotiable but must begin before December 31, 2023.

Interested candidates should submit an application (single PDF file format) that includes:

  1. a cover letter
  2. a 3-page statement of research interests, including interests that pertain to NIRPS’s scientific capabilities (figures and references included)
  3. an up-to-date CV
  4. names and contact details for three consenting reference letter writers who may be contacted

Application materials should be submitted by email to ryan.cloutier@mcmaster.ca. The position will remain open until filled but evaluations of applications will begin on August 1, 2023.

McMaster University and UGA are strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. Both universities seek qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from underrepresented minorities including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, members of other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

At McMaster University, this position will be part of a Collective Agreement for Postdoctoral Fellows, CUPE 3906, Unit #3. This position carries a competitive salary and standard benefits package at both universities, including medical benefits.

Useful links


Ryan Cloutier, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy | McMaster University

Pronouns: He/Him/His
A.N. Bourns Science Building | 1280 Main St W | Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8
Office: ABB 318
https://physics.mcmaster.ca/~cloutr1/
ZOOM meeting room

CASCA Westar Coördinator

Description of the position

In this part-time position, you, as the CASCA Westar Coordinator, will manage the revamped Westar Exchange program. You will establish and maintain long-term relationships with underserved communities; help to plan and support exchanges between CASCA astronomers and these communities; and work with the Westar subcommittee and other groups across Canada doing similar outreach.

Your responsibilities:

  • Making connections with underserved communities, and maintaining these relationships
  • Learning the important customs, practices, and protocols of these communities
  • Liasing with the CASCA Westar subcommittee and other groups across Canada doing similar outreach work.
  • Working with underserved communities to arrange visits (online or in-person) of CASCA astronomers
  • Helping CASCA astronomers to prepare for their visits, including travel and accommodation, and carrying out or arranging appropriate training (EDI, Indigeneity, cultural sensitivity)
  • Debriefing the astronomers after their visits, to help improve future visits
  • Putting out calls to the Canadian astronomical community to find those interested in becoming Westar visitors
  • Maintaining/updating the Westar Exchange website
  • Time permitting, doing fundraising to sustain the Westar Exchange program

Qualifications and requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, journalism, communication, education, Indigenous studies or another relevant discipline
  • Experience in working with underserved communities
  • Familiarity with EDI principles
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Patience and ability to work with diverse groups of people
  • Basic familiarity with Office software
  • A computer with Office software and internet access
  • Proficiency in written and spoken French and English
  • Knowledge of website editing, video or graphic software, and social medial management would be an asset
  • Fundraising experience would be an asset
  • Knowledge of astronomy would be an asset
  • We encourage applications from women, visible and ethnic minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity

Location:

This position is fully remote.

Hours per week, Salary, and Length of position:

This is initially a three-year position. The annual salary will be $12,000 in the first year, corresponding to 8 hours/week. In the second and third years the salary will be $9000, corresponding to 6 hours/week. This position is renewable subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Anticipated Start Date:

The anticipated start date for this position is Oct 1, 2023

Application Process and Closing Date:

Please email a CV and cover letter to Westar Chair Terry Bridges (tbridges@okanagan.bc.ca), with the title “CASCA Westar Coordinator Application”. Your cover letter should include an EDI statement, and your experience with outreach and fundraising. Interviews will be conducted online (Zoom, Skype, or telephone) after the closing date.

The closing date for applications is Aug 1, 2023.

Shared Postdoctoral Position in Precision Radial Velocity Studies of Exoplanets (McMaster & Grenoble)

The exoplanetary research groups at McMaster University and l’Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) invite applications for a shared, full-time postdoctoral position in the field of precise radial velocity (RV) studies of exoplanets. The successful applicant will work under the joint supervision of Dr. Ryan Cloutier (McMaster) and Dr. Xavier Bonfils (UGA).

The successful applicant will join the NIRPS (https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/lasilla/36/nirps/) GTO science team and enjoy access to data from its ongoing GTO program. NIRPS is a precise near-IR RV spectrograph that was recently commissioned on the ESO 3.6m telescope in Chile and is operating alongside the HARPS optical spectrograph. Work hours will be split between focused (80%) and independent research programs (20%) with the former focusing on NIRPS+HARPS data analysis to characterize the global architectures of M dwarf exoplanetary systems. We particularly invite applicants whose scientific backgrounds include leveraging observations to discover and characterize exoplanetary systems.

The duration of the appointment is 36 months with the first 18 months to be spent at McMaster before transferring to UGA for the remainder of the appointment. Master University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and UGA in Grenoble, France. Considerations for a term extension are conditional on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The start date of the position is negotiable but must begin before December 31, 2023

Interested candidates should submit an application (single PDF file format) that includes (1) a cover letter, (2) a 3-page statement of research interests, including interests that pertain to NIRPS’s scientific capabilities (figures and references included), (3) an up-to-date CV, and (4) names and contact details for three consenting reference letter writers who may be contacted.

Application materials should be submitted by email to ryan.cloutier@mcmaster.ca. The position will remain open until filled but evaluations of applications will begin on August 1, 2023.

McMaster University and UGA are strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. Both universities seek qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from underrepresented minorities including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, members of other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

At McMaster University, this position will be part of a Collective Agreement for Postdoctoral Fellows, CUPE 3906, Unit #3. This position carries a competitive salary and standard benefits package at both universities, including medical benefits.

Useful links
McMaster Astrophysics Group
Institut de Planétologie et d’Astrophysique de Grenoble (IPAG)