Job Opportunities

Postdoctoral Positions in Galactic Archaeology and Dynamics with Gaia

Deadline to Apply for Job: November 15, 2017

Apply by email: bovy@astro.utoronto.ca

Applications are invited for up to two postdoctoral positions in Milky-Way archaeology and Galactic dynamics at the University of Toronto, located in downtown Toronto. The successful applicant(s) will work with Prof. Jo Bovy and members of his group on Galactic structure, chemistry, and dynamics. The main areas of interest are Milky Way disk, bulge, halo, tidal-stream, and star-cluster dynamics with Gaia, Milky-Way formation and evolution with Gaia and APOGEE, high-resolution spectroscopic data reduction and chemical-abundance analysis, and the application of machine-learning techniques to problems in these areas. Some fraction of the successful candidate’s time will be available for independent research.

The appointment is expected to start on or before September 1, 2018; earlier start dates are possible. Candidates must possess a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Astrophysics and have demonstrated experience in at least one of the topics listed above. Evidence of prior expertise in data analysis, large surveys, and modern software development is highly desirable. The initial appointment will be for two years, renewable for a third year depending on performance and availability of funds, and comes with a competitive salary in the range $50,000 to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications.

Applicants should submit i) a statement of research interests and accomplishments of no more than 3 pages, ii) a CV and list of publications, and iii) (optionally but recommended) examples of software contributions (links to publicly available code preferred); a single PDF attachment including all of these materials sent to the above email address is the preferred method of application. Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of reference sent to the above email address, by the same deadline. Candidates are also encouraged to apply for Dunlap postdoctoral fellowships; in this case, applications for this position may consist of only a cover letter that explicitly grants access permission of the relevant Dunlap application and associated reference letters for the purposes of this job application, and any additional information on software contributions.

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. The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and training and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work. 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.