Job Opportunities

Assistant Professor – Experimental Astrophysics

Date Posted: Nov 8, 2021
Closing Date: Jan 10, 2022, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 8681
Job Category: Faculty – Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

To apply:  https://jobs.utoronto.ca/job/Toronto-Assistant-Professor-Experimental-Astrophysics-ON/552287117/

Description:

The David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DADDAA) and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto together invite applications for a full-time tenure-stream position in the area of experimental astrophysics. This is a joint appointment between DADDAA (51%) and the Dunlap Institute (49%) at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2022.

Applicants must have earned a PhD degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter. We further require a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. The selection will be based on this record of excellence. Demonstrated excellence in teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, as well as in public outreach is also required.

We seek applicants in astronomical instrumentation or experimental astrophysics whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance the strengths of DADDAA and the Dunlap Institute. The successful candidate is expected to establish and lead an innovative, externally funded instrumentation-driven research program; supervise research projects carried out by graduate and undergraduate students; teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses; and engage in university service activities.

Candidates must provide evidence of excellence in research, which can be demonstrated by the applicant’s cover letter, a record of publications in top-ranked and field relevant journals or forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, and strong endorsements from referees of high standing.

We seek candidates who develop and apply innovative instrumentation to advance our understanding of the Universe, with a focus on potential scientific impact. In their application materials, the successful candidate must:

• Demonstrate experience in astronomical instrumentation through the construction of astronomical instruments either as a lead/senior investigator or by playing an important role on a team, while also demonstrating strong technical and scientific leadership;
• Present a strong instrumentation development plan, with a focus on how their vision can be achieved at the University of Toronto;
• Demonstrate experience in or capacity for working within instrumentation teams, as well as developing collaborations and working collaboratively; and
• Demonstrate their capacity to prepare the leaders of the future in astronomical instrumentation, by recruiting, supervising, training and mentoring research students, early-career researchers, and technical staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and levels of ability.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated by teaching accomplishments and the teaching dossier, including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or other evidence of performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application, as well as strong endorsements by referees. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading workshops or seminars, or student mentorship. The successful candidate for this position must demonstrate experience in or capacity for:

• Teaching effectively and communicating clearly to a diverse student body, in a way that meaningfully advances equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the classroom and in the laboratory; and
• Carrying out public outreach programs that bring the excitement of the Universe to young people, the public, and underrepresented groups.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Toronto offers the opportunity to teach, conduct research, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The Dunlap Institute has a strong focus on developing innovative astronomical instrumentation and technology, has a large prize postdoctoral program (the Dunlap Fellowships) and has substantive programs in professional training and public outreach. The successful candidate will benefit from close proximity to Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), a renowned National theory institute. University of Toronto astronomers have access to a wide range of observational facilities with guaranteed access to CFHT, Gemini, SDSS-V, JWST, MWA and CHIME. The Dunlap Institute has facilitated Canadian access to the LSST program on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply by clicking on the link below. Applicants must submit:

• a cover letter
• a current curriculum vitae including a full list of publications
• a research statement including instrument development/laboratory plans, and
• a teaching dossier that includes a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above.

The research and teaching statements must each address the applicant’s capacities to teach, train and support a diverse body of students/trainees and to meaningfully advance equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the relevant contexts, as per the expectations listed above. For information about the University’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and innovation see  https://ediri.utoronto.ca/

Submission guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF or Word format.

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each once an application is submitted (this happens overnight). Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date.

DADDAA and the Dunlap Institute are committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, racialized people, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact astrochair@astro.utoronto.ca to ask questions about the position or to seek further information.   For additional information about the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, please visit http://www.astro.utoronto.ca or http://www.dunlap.utoronto.ca, respectively.

All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by the closing date, January 10, 2022.

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

Click HERE to apply.

Diversity Statement
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, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.