Description

The University of Toronto invites applications for the Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships 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 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 based on:

• potential for innovative research in instrumentation, software, and/or observations,
• 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.)

Dunlap Fellows have access to laboratories, fabrication facilities and computing clusters, and can propose for additional internal support for their experimental and/or computational 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 with a potential consideration of an extension of up to five years for instrumentation candidates given the long time scales for astronomical instrument development. Dunlap Fellowships include an annual full-time salary of CAD $80,634 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, 2025. 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, 2020 (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 18th, 2024. 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 18th, 2024.

 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 director@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 professional development 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 embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.