Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships in Astronomical Instrumentation

The University of Toronto invites applications for Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships in Astronomical Instrumentation within the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. The Dunlap Institute pursues innovative instrumentation, technology and observational research to advance our understanding of the Universe, in close collaboration with Toronto colleagues in the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DADDAA) and in the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA).

Dunlap Fellows are expected to conduct a program of original research either independently or in collaboration with others at the University of Toronto and will be offered professional development and mentoring across a range of topics relevant to a scientific career. Candidates will be selected on the basis of potential for innovative research in astronomical instrumentation or experimental astrophysics, as well as, on synergy with existing activities within the Dunlap Institute. (Potential for innovative research can be established through past accomplishments, future plans, publications, reference letters, or any combination thereof.) The Dunlap Institute is involved in multiple astronomical instrumentation projects ranging from radio/sub-mm to the ultraviolet/optical/infrared (UVOIR). The Institute also supports a research and development program specializing in adaptive optics, astrophotonics, UVOIR instrumentation, balloon-borne telescopes, radio receivers, radio dishes, and signal processing. Major instrumentation projects currently underway at the Institute include CHIME Outriggers, CHORD, Dragonfly, GIRMOS, GPI Upgrade, and SuperBIT.

Dunlap Fellows have access to laboratories, computing clusters and fabrication facilities, and can propose for additional internal support for their experimental plans. Dunlap Fellows are also encouraged to participate in the Institute's outreach and training initiatives. The range of activities and opportunities in research, outreach and training can be seen on the Dunlap Institute’s web site.

The Dunlap Institute, DADDAA and CITA together host more than 150 staff and students in astronomy, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observation, computation and theory. The Dunlap Institute is located on a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world’s great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Toronto offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor pursuits, outstanding food and music, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community.

The Dunlap Institute is committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, racialized people, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and potential dual-academic-career hires.  Subject to immigration regulations, successful candidates will be given the option to take up their Fellowships as part-time appointments (such a request need not be made as part of a candidate's initial application and will not be disclosed to the selection committee).

Appointments are for three years. Dunlap Fellowships include an annual salary of CAD $71,821 plus generous benefits, a research allowance of CAD $18,000 per year, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional research funds from the Dunlap Institute.

The nominal commencement date is September 1, 2022. Applicants must have earned a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field at the time of appointment. Applicants should have a PhD awarded on or after January 1, 2017 (career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances will be accommodated, and should be noted in the cover letter).

All application materials must be submitted online at AcademicJobsOnline, by November 12th, 2021. There are four required components of the application:

  1. A 300-word summary of the applicant’s planned activities as a Dunlap Fellow, submitted via the online application form.
  2. A 300-word summary of how the applicant will benefit from being hosted by the Dunlap Institute and on how the Dunlap Institute will benefit from hosting the applicant, submitted via the online application form.
  3. A cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a publication list, and a three-page detailed description of the applicant’s planned activities as a Dunlap Fellow.
  4. Three letters of reference (on letterhead and signed), uploaded through AcademicJobsOnline by the applicant’s referees by November 12th, 2021.

In order to write the strongest possible application (especially for item 2 above), applicants are strongly encouraged to review the current list of faculty who can act as potential collaborators or mentors. Discussing your application with relevant faculty prior to the application deadline is recommended but not required.

Interested applicants should note the existence of other upcoming postdoctoral fellowship opportunities at the University of Toronto, including CITA Postdoctoral Fellowships, Arts & Science Postdoctoral Fellowships and the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black & Indigenous Scholars. Those interested in these opportunities should contact actingdirector@dunlap.utoronto.ca for more information.

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.

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.

Email Address for Inquiries: actingdirector@dunlap.utoronto.ca

To apply online, please go to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/fellowship/19473