Postdoctoral Fellow, Lidar Studies Related to the Canadian HAWC Satellite Project

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to lidar studies related to the HAWC Satellite Project. The successful candidate will play a key role in research coordination and training junior students. A PhD in atmospheric sciences or related fields is required, along with a strong aptitude for scientific analysis and programming. This 1-year position, extendable, is based in Saskatoon and emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• PhD degree received within the past 4 years.
• Hands-on experience with lidar systems preferred.
• Ability to conduct original scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Investigate synergies between lidar and ALI measurements.
• Support MPLCAN updates for real-time data processing.
• Play a leadership role, providing training and guidance.

Skills

Atmospheric modelling

Analysis of atmospheric satellite measurements

Programming in Fortran

Programming in Matlab

Programming in Python

Education

PhD in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, physics, or a related discipline

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Lidar Studies Related to the Canadian HAWC Satellite Project

Primary Purpose

Canada is developing three satellite instruments, TICFIRE (Thin Ice Cloud and Far InfraRed Emissions), ALI (Aerosol Limb Imager) and SHOW (Spatial Heterodyne Observations of Water), jointly known as the HAWC (High-altitude, Aerosols, Water Vapour and Clouds) mission, for space observations of climate parameters. The successful candidate will join the HAWC Science Development Team.

Nature of Work

An overview of the HAWC project including details of the instrumentation has recently been published: Langille, J., and Coauthors, 2025: The High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds mission: concept, scientific objectives and data products. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., BAMS-D-23-0309.1, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0309.1, in press.

Project and Collaboration

The HAWC Science Development Team (SDT) is jointly funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Space Agency. As part of this team, the successful candidate will investigate synergies between lidar and ALI measurements, for instance to extend ALI’s measurement capabilities or to develop new data projects. As part of this, they will support MPLCAN, including updates to the automated data processing system as required for continued near real‑time data processing. The successful candidate will work with Professors R. Sica (Western University, [e-mail]) and A. Bourassa (University of Saskatchewan, [e-mail]). The position is based at the University of Saskatchewan and is initially 1 year, extendable to 3 years.

Accountabilities

The PDF will report directly to Drs. Sica and Bourassa. The selected candidate will be expected to play a leadership role in the project, providing training and guidance to junior undergraduate and graduate students.

Education

To be considered for the postdoc position, an applicant must have a PhD degree in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, physics, or a related discipline of engineering, received within the past 4 years.

Licenses

N/A

Experience

Preference will be given to candidates who have hands‑on experience with lidar systems.

Skills

The candidate shall have the ability to conduct original and independent scientific research and is expected to have experience in one or multiple of these skills:

• Atmospheric modelling
• Analysis of atmospheric satellite measurements
• Programming in Fortran and Matlab or Python on Linux systems

To Apply

Interested applicants must include the following in their application:

• a cover letter explaining your fit and interests
• a curriculum vitae
• transcripts and academic records (B.Sc. and graduate‑level)
• names and contact information for at least two references

Employment Details

Department: Physics & Engineering Physics
Supervisor Job Title: Professor
Status: Term
Employment Group: Postdoctoral Fellows - PSAC
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary Information: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Posted Date: 11/3/2025
Closing Date: Open until filled
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.