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Infrared Spectroscopy of Brown Dwarfs and/or Ultracool Dwarfs

Prof. Stanimir Metchev at the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University in London, Ontario invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to lead analysis of JWST observations and preparations for the proposed POET Canadian space astronomy mission.

The successful applicant will analyze infrared spectroscopic data with JWST MIRI or with high-dispersion spectrographs on ground-based telescopes. The JWST investigations focus on brown dwarf atmospheres and their chemical and cloud content. The ground-based programs seek a complete characterization of the ultracool dwarf population in the solar neighbourhood in preparation for the proposed transit-exoplanet mission POET (Photometric Observations of Extrasolar Transits), co-led by Metchev. POET has been identified as a top space astronomy priority in the Canadian Astronomy Long Range Plan 2020-2030 (LRP2020). Background in spectroscopy or time series analysis would be advantageous.

The successful applicant will be expected to actively pursue additional ground- or space-based observations in support of one or both programs. The position also offers an excellent opportunity for additional collaboration with Metchev’s team in the fields of optical time-domain astronomy (transiting exoplanets or stellar occultations) or telescope instrumentation (robotic observatories, infrared instrumentation). Western has access to all Canadian national telescopes, including Gemini, CFHT, ALMA, and a slew of 1–2 metre-class telescopes. Metchev’s team regularly uses JWST, TESS, Hubble, NOIRLab and ESO telescopes, and the NASA/IRTF.

Remuneration is CA$70,000 per year. Western University provides a competitive benefits package for postdoctoral associates, including vision, dental, annual vacation leave, parental leave, and pre-negotiated annual raises. Postdoctoral Associates at Western are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) union. The position is in-person at Western, with possibility of flexible hours. A CA$3,000 allowance for moving expenses, visa or security clearance fees, is also available from Prof. Metchev. The start date is flexible, but preferably no later than July 1, 2025. The appointment is for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory annual progress reviews and availability of funds.

Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Astronomy or a related field, received within five years of the start of the appointment. Accommodations will be made for career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances when evaluating applications. Candidates should submit a CV, a 2–3-page statement of research experience and interests, and the names of three references directly to Prof. Metchev (smetchev@uwo.ca). The position is open until filled. For full consideration, complete applications should be received by April 1, 2025. For further information, please contact Prof. Metchev.

About Western University. Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. From fundamental to applied discovery and other scholarly activities, its scholars advance knowledge that provides tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London, in Canada and around the world.

Western Values Diversity. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accelerated by increased grant acquisition, the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University is growing. We are currently recruiting students for positions in various Masters and Doctoral project offerings.

With core faculty who do front-line research in a range of areas, the Department of Physics & Astronomy provides students with an array of exciting professional development and high-impact learning opportunities.

The Position: We are seeking motivated, passionate students looking to jump-start their careers in research and teaching. We encourage applications from students with undergraduate and/or Master's degrees in physics, applied physics, applied mathematics, astronomy, or other disciplines where students have taken upper-level undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in the fundamental areas of physics.

The Program: The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers graduate programs leading to MSc and PhD degrees in both disciplines. All programs are housed in our newly renovated, state-of-the-art building.

None at this time.

To view our openings, go to Working at Western and using the Search Jobs box, enter the Job Opening ID if known, or type "Physics and Astronomy".