Prof. Jess McIver invites applications for a software developer position at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia supporting LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA data analysis.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in software infrastructure support of data analysis efforts within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. Qualified candidates will have strong programming skills, as well as familiarity with computing and/or system administration. The hiring team views the following as assets but not requirements: experience and interest in gravitational wave data analysis, software development, web model view controller (MVC) frameworks, and cybersecurity; a proven ability to lead projects within a large collaboration; or a PhD or equivalent degree in a related field. The position will be based at UBC, with travel to the LIGO Lab at Caltech, UWisconsin-Milwaukee, and other partners as needed.

The successful applicant will devote half of their time to development of identity and access management service (IAMS), 40% to development of the IGWN GitLab service (including integration of access for external teams), and spend 10% as an information security officer for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. They will work closely with international collaborators co-developing these services through virtual meetings and communications.

The successful applicant will be embedded with the UBC LIGO group (PI Prof. Jess McIver and team) working with Research Associate Dr. Evan Goetz on software development, as well as a software developer supporting CHIME data analysis.

The University of British Columbia is located in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Campus is less than a six hour drive from LIGO Hanford, less than five hours from the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) and the CHIME Telescope, and a 10 minute bus ride from TRIUMF. UBC and TRIUMF are home to strong efforts in theoretical gravitational physics, astrophysics, observational astronomy, and data science.

Interested individuals are asked to submit a cover letter and a CV along with the names and contact information for at least three professional references. In your cover letter, please briefly address your plans for and/or past contributions to a culture of equity and inclusion. Applications will be reviewed starting on November 10, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

The position will ideally start before the end of the calendar year, but a later start date is also possible. This is a three-year position with the possibility of renewal, with a competitive annual salary of $70,000-85,000 CAD, depending on experience. UBC offers Research Associates a wide ranging benefits plan that includes extended health and dental coverage, paid parental leave, and more. Research Associates are eligible to participate in the Faculty Pension Plan.

UBC and the IGWN team are 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 and/or time constraints.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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

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

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The University of British Columbia Located in Vancouver Home to the UBC GW astrophysics group, the UBC LIGO group, the UBC-TRIUMF LISA group, close to TRIUMF Astronomy and astrophysics at UBC