Assistant Professor in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Department of Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Science
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Assistant Professor in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Position # 32052

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Assistant Professor rank, commencing 1st January, 2023, or on a date mutually agreed upon.

The Department seeks an emerging scholar with expertise in high-energy astrophysics or related fields, committed to excellence in teaching and research in the physics and astronomy program. The Department seeks a scholar with a Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy/Astrophysics and relevant postdoctoral experience. Duties will include undergraduate teaching, graduate teaching and supervision, research, and service-related activities. The successful candidate will have a track record of high-quality scholarly research leading to peer-assessed publications; will either have or will demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, innovative, scholarly, externally fundable research program; will have demonstrated strength in or strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions in Astronomy and Astrophysics; and will exhibit evidence of the ability to work in a collaborative environment. Experience in mentoring or supervision of highly qualified personnel is considered an asset. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The ideal candidate will bring or support new synergetic areas and will stimulate collaborations within and potentially outside the Astronomy/Astrophysics group. Existing research efforts in the High-Energy Astrophysics group of the Department include compact objects, supernova remnants, (micro)quasars, cosmic ray accelerators, and are expanding into multi-messenger astrophysics. Synergistic areas of research could include either theoretical, computational, or observational fronts.

To enrich our Department and create role models for a diverse population of students, we particularly invite applications from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and racialized persons, and those committed to a diverse environment.

The Department currently has 22 full-time tenured and tenure track faculty members and two Instructors. It offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs in Subatomic Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics and Biological and Medical Physics. The Astronomy research program addresses observational and theoretical investigations into the building blocks of the Universe. Research topics include the study of dark matter and hydrogen gas in galaxies, galaxy formation and evolution, active galactic nuclei and relativistic jets, the aftermath of supernova explosions of stars and their interaction with the interstellar medium, theoretical investigations into star formation, and cosmic ray physics.

Research is enabled by observations conducted with state-of-the-art international telescopes and high-performance computing clusters. Additional facilities are available through Compute Canada. Teaching and outreach efforts are supported by the newly renovated Lockhart Planetarium and University Observatories. The Astronomy & Astrophysics group will soon commission the Peebles Astrophysics Lab: a new space for astronomy students, postdocs and visitors. This space will enhance and facilitate collaboration between Manitoban astronomers, while providing a stimulating environment for trainees and visitors to connect, interact, collaborate and grow both scientifically and socially.

We are supported by research links with other University of Manitoba departments, including Computer Science and Statistics, and the recently launched Data Science Nexus which is housed in the Faculty of Science. High-performance computing clusters exist in-house, and additional facilities are available through Compute Canada. Further information about the Departments and Nexus can be obtained from https://sci.umanitoba.ca/physics-astronomy/ and https://sci.umanitoba.ca/data-science-nexus/.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Applications including a curriculum vitae, a description of teaching philosophy, a summary of research interests, a three-page research plan and contact information for three references should be sent to [email protected] (PDF files preferred).  Please ensure to specify position number 32052 in the application. For further information, contact the Search Committee Chair at [email protected]. The closing date for receipt of applications is July 31, 2022.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Please note that curricula vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.