Prof. Stanimir Metchev at the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (Western Space) at Western University invites applications for one or more MSc or PhD positions starting in January 2025. The students would join a project funded by the Canadian Space Agency to test the performance of commercial near-infrared cameras for astronomical observations from stratospheric balloons. The observations will be obtained either with 50 cm telescopes at Western’s Elginfield Observatory (25 km north of London, Ontario), or during remotely operated flights with stratospheric balloons. The tests will inform the potential use of such near-infrared cameras for future astronomy space missions.
Further opportunities for collaboration with Metchev’s team exist in the fields of brown dwarfs, exoplanets, or solar system astronomy. Western has access to all Canadian national telescopes, including Gemini, the CFHT, ALMA, and several 1-2 metre-class telescopes. Metchev’s team also uses JWST, TESS, Hubble, NOIRLab and ESO telescopes, and the NASA/IRTF.
Candidates must have completed a BSc or MSc degree in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, Computer Science, or a related field, by the end of December 2024. Expertise in any of the areas of telescope observations, optical or infrared imaging, software development, or laboratory testing of remote sensing equipment would be beneficial.
The candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Metchev directly by October 20, 2024 with a CV and a brief expression of interest before applying. The candidates would then submit an application to the Western School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
About Western University
Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. From fundamental to applied discovery and other scholarly activities, its scholars advance knowledge that provides tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London, in Canada and around the world. Western Research supports scholars through collaboration, communication, and service. Western University and its affiliate colleges received more than $267 million in research funding over the past year.
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.