University of British Columbia, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Position ID:UBC-Department of Physics and Astronomy-POSTDOC [#18783]
Position Title: Postdoctoral fellow in multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves - UBC/McGill/UToronto physics and astronomy postdoctoral fellow
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1z1, Canada [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Physics / Astrophysics (astro-ph)
Appl Deadline:2021/09/30 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/06/11, finished 2021/09/16, listed until 2021/09/30)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

A pan-Canadian partnership of astrophysicists at UBC, McGill, and UToronto invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in multi-messenger astronomy. The successful applicant will devote half of their research time to the continued development and deployment of GWSkyNet, a machine-learning algorithm to distinguish true GW signals from detector glitches using publicly available information, for the upcoming LIGO-Virgo observing run, O4. Half of their research time will be used to explore other interests in multi-messenger astronomy with GWs. The researcher in this position will be a key figure in Canadian efforts to identify and study electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave candidate events issued by LIGO and Virgo. 

Researchers with knowledge of (or who are eager to learn about) machine learning methods and/or low latency gravitational-wave alerts are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with gravitational-wave data analysis is an asset, but not a requirement. 

The position will be located at one of three institutions in Canada: at the University of British Columbia, working with Prof. Jess McIver; McGill University working with Prof. Daryl Haggard; or the University of Toronto, working with Prof. Maria Drout. The primary host institution will be negotiated at the time of hire. Wherever the successful applicant is based, they will have frequent interactions with the other Canadian and international partners in the project. The successful applicant will have access to competitive Canadian telescope facilities, e.g., the Canada France Hawaii Telescope and twin Gemini Observatories, as well as world-class computing facilities through Compute Canada and institutional resources. 

The position will ideally start before Spring 2022 (or earlier if possible), ahead of the next LIGO-Virgo observing run, expected in mid-2022. This is a two-year position with a competitive annual salary of $65,000 CAD plus benefits awarded by the host institution. 

To apply for this position, please upload the following documents: 
  • A cover letter including the names and contact information of at least three professional references. 
  • A recent CV including a publication list. 
  • A 3-page research statement that addresses your interest in the project as well as other topics in multi-messenger astronomy. 
  • A 1-page broader impacts statement addressing your past and proposed future contributions to any one or more of the following: teaching, mentoring, outreach, or equity and inclusion. (This should please be appended to your research statement when you apply.)
We will begin reviewing application materials on July 15, 2021, and continue reviewing until the position is filled. 

The project team leadership is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members. We strongly encourage researchers from underrepresented groups in physics and astronomy to apply. This position is accessible to researchers with disabilities and working environment constraints. 

For inquiries, please reach out to Jess McIver: mciver[at]phas.ubc.ca. 

Find out more about the host institutions: 

Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Further Info:
https://phas.ubc.ca/
email address
 
325-6224 Agricultural Road
Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z1