Position Description

The University of Toronto invites applications for a postdoctoral research position with Prof. Adam Hincks and his group in the area of millimetre (mm) time domain science and active galactic nuclei (AGN) observational astrophysics. The successful candidate will join an exciting research programme that uses cosmic microwave background (CMB) survey data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the Simons Observatory to observe blazars in the time domain in order to study the physics of AGN jets and to search for supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHB). A fraction of time (20%) will be allocated for the successful candidate to pursue personal research interests.

Applicants with experience analysing time series (especially light curves), working with CMB or other wide-field survey data, and/or expertise in AGN and SMBHB physics are especially encouraged to apply. Demonstrated skills in coding, collaborative software development and oral and written communication are assets. Applicants must have a PhD in astrophysics, physics or a related field by the time the appointment starts.

The expected start date is 1 January 2026, but earlier or later start dates are negotiable. The initial appointment is for two years and is renewable for another year contingent on satisfactory performance. The position is expected to be 100% FTE, with a starting salary of CAD$82,000, plus benefits, financial support for travel/research and relocation assistance.

In addition to the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, where the successful candidate will be based, the University of Toronto hosts the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Dunlap Institute, providing a rich and dynamic research environment. Toronto is a safe, highly liveable city with world-class culinary and cultural offerings, extensive parks, and a population with remarkable cultural diversity.

Candidates should submit, in PDF format: a cover letter describing how they meet the selection criteria listed above; a curriculum vitae that includes a full publication list; and a statement of research experience and interests (maximum three pages, not including references). All application materials should be submitted online via AcademicJobsOnline.org/ajo/jobs/30348. Candidates should also arrange for three letters of recommendation, to be submitted directly by the writers through the same portal.

Full consideration will be given to applications (including recommendation letters) submitted by 6 October 2025, but applications will be received until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position may be sent to adam.hincks@utoronto.ca.

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognising that the needs of the employee’s research and training and the needs of the supervisor’s research programme 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.