Post Doc. Fellowship, CAL2 System, Gemini North Observatory, Performing Frontier Exoplanet Science
Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.
* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.
Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.
City: Victoria
Organizational Unit: Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics
Classification: RO
Tenure: Term
Duration: 2 years
Language Requirements: English
Work Arrangements:
- Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week at their own expense.
We recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities. If you are an Indigenous candidate, you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. To learn more, please contact the hiring team, using the contact information below.
- While the official location of work for this position will be an NRC facility within Canada, the option of an offsite or a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of working onsite and offsite) may be possible.
The Program
The NRC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program offers PDFs access to unique world-class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside multi-disciplinary teams of expert researchers and technicians on projects of critical importance to Canada. PDFs will carry out research on innovative research projects, with opportunities for career development (publications and/or industry interaction).
PDFs will be offered appointments to the staff of the National Research Council on a term basis and will be offered salaries and benefits currently available to Research Officers. Salaries commensurate with experience are taxable and subject to other deductions. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $82,338. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.
Project Title
Deploying the NRC CAL2 System at the Canadian Gemini North Observatory, Performing Frontier Exoplanet Science with the World’s First Facility-class Focal Plane Wavefront Sensor
The Role
Directly imaging exoplanets is a significant challenge, as faint planets are often obscured by their bright host stars. Since 2019, the NRC NEW EARTH laboratory team has developed advanced star-blocking coronagraph masks to rapidly measure and correct optical aberrations directly in the instrument science focal plane, aiming to significantly enhance the detection and characterization of exoplanets.
In 2024/2025, NRC will deploy its first facility-class focal plane wavefront sensor, CAL2 (CALibration unit 2), in the Gemini Planet Imager instrument at the Gemini North Observatory. The NRC PDF will lead the testing and optimization of CAL2 for on-sky operations, and then collaborate with the GPI2 science team on groundbreaking discoveries. CAL2 aims to increase sensitivity limits by up to 100 times, significantly improving our ability to detect closer- in and lower-mass exoplanets. This PDF position offers an exciting opportunity for a young researcher to take a leadership role in enabling a new era of exoplanet science.
Education
Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy or related fields such as Math or Engineering
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency
Experience
Experience in some of the following high-contrast direct imaging areas is required:
- science observations,
- data processing,
- simulations, and
- instrumentation
Language Requirements
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
Who is eligible?
- Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
- Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2022*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
- Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.
* Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.
Application Requirements
In order to be considered for the program please include the following in your application, please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches.
- Resume
- Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
- PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient, it does not have to be an official version.
- List of Publications
When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as «Second language evaluation results» or «Other attachments»
In addition, applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation at a later stage of the competition process.
Compensation
The intent of this hiring action is to staff through the Postdoctoral Fellowships Program at the RCO-2/AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $82,338 to $114,354.
NOTE: Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $82,338.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.
Discover the possible
Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.
At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.
Notes
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
- Fellowships are open to nationals of all countries, although preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
- The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
- We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (23055) to:
E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Telephone: 343-990-7339
Closing Date: 18 December 2024 - 23:59 Eastern Time
For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.
