Date Posted: 07/22/2025
Req ID: 44408
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dunlap Inst. for Astronomy & Astrophysic
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

DESCRIPTION:

The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Research Associate in Radio Polarimetry (Limited Term) for a three-year appointment, to join the Canadian Data Intensive Astrophysics Platform (CanDIAPL). The responsibilities will be as follows:

• 75%: development of automated processing pipelines and triggers/alerts for dynamic data sets from the new Polarization Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism (POSSUM) using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), supervised by Prof Hložek and in collaboration with Prof Bryan Gaensler (University of California, Santa Cruz) and the rest of the CanDIAPL and POSSUM teams.
• 25%: self-directed research in Galactic or extragalactic radio astronomy, in consultation with Prof Hložek and Prof Gaensler

In all these activities, there is the expectation that the appointee will supervise the work of undergraduates and graduate students.
The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of renewal, subject to funding. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2025 or as mutually agreed.
Applicants should apply online at the link below and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and three reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to hlozek@dunlap.utoronto.ca.
The Dunlap Institute pursues groundbreaking astronomical research across the electromagnetic spectrum, through innovative approaches to instrumentation, data-driven science and observations, alongside a substantive commitment to outreach and training. The Dunlap Institute, David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DADDAA) and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (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.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education – PhD or equivalent certification in astrophysics, astronomy or physics

Required Experience

• At least one year of relevant postdoctoral experience
• Experience in radio polarization processing
• Advanced skills in radio interferometry, radio polarimetry, radio astronomy pipelines, and survey science
• A record of lead-author publications on Galactic or extragalactic radio astronomy in high-impact scientific journals
• Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing and scientific communication
• Demonstrated ability to work with students
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a team

Preferred Experience

• Some understanding of radio astronomical instrumentation and polarization calibration.

Closing Date: 07/31/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 - Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Research Administration & Teachin

• 75%: development of automated processing pipelines and triggers/alerts for dynamic data sets from the new Polarization Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism (POSSUM) using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), supervised by Prof Hložek and in collaboration with Prof Bryan Gaensler (University of California, Santa Cruz) and the rest of the CanDIAPL and POSSUM teams.
• 25%: self-directed research in Galactic or extragalactic radio astronomy, in consultation with Prof Hložek and Prof Gaensle