Postdoctoral Fellowship, ALMA Archival Research on Fragmentation in Star-Forming Cores

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Victoria, Canada is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research on fragmentation in star-forming cores. The successful applicant will analyze archival ALMA data, contributing to innovative research in a hybrid work environment. Ideal candidates should possess a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics with publication experience. Competitive salary ranges from $83,985 to $116,641, along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Robust pension plan

Additional supports for well-being

Qualifications

• Experience in publication of high calibre astronomical research papers.
• Experience in analyzing astronomical data from observatories.
• Research experience in star formation or closely related fields.

Responsibilities

• Analyze archival ALMA continuum and line emission data.
• Identify and analyze properties of core fragments.
• Develop big data capabilities for the CANFAR Science Platform.

Skills

Data analysis

Astronomical research

Communication

Education

PhD in astronomy or astrophysics

Job description

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Postdoctoral Fellowship, ALMA Archival Research on Fragmentation in Star-Forming Cores

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

OrganizationalUnit:Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics

Classification:RO

Duration: 2 years

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 $83,985. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.

Project Title

ALMA Archival Research on Fragmentation in Star-Forming Cores

The Role

ALMA’s exquisite angular resolution and sensitivity have opened the door to studying fragmentation within dense star-forming cores in our Galaxy. The few existing analyses of such fragments alongside the incidence rates expected by simulations have provided conflicting results. Large samples of detections are necessary, and a wealth of publicly available data exists in ALMA’s archive waiting to be examined. The successful applicant will harness the computing resources available in the CANFAR Science Platform to process archival ALMA continuum and line emission data of dense cores in nearby molecular clouds to identify, analyze the properties of core fragments, and compare them with those predicted by numerical simulations. With this project, the successful applicant will help to develop ‘big data’ capabilities for the CANFAR Science Platform, as it prepares to become a major computing hub as Canada’s SKA Regional Centre.
Active areas of research at NRC Herzberg include star formation, the interstellar medium, Solar System objects, exoplanets and circumstellar disks, magnetic fields, the Milky Way and Local Group, near-field cosmology and resolved stellar populations, galaxy evolution, supermassive black holes and high redshift galaxies. The Canadian Astronomical Data Centre at NRC Herzberg is involved in many areas including operating a multi-wavelength telescope archive and supporting the cloud-based computing services offered on the CANFAR Science Platform. Current and future ground- and space-based facilities from the UV to radio are represented in our instrument development, which includes radio correlators and signal processing, radio receivers, antenna design, adaptive optics, and UV/optical/near-IR instrumentation.
NRC-Herzberg has a rare combination of staff involved in astronomy research, instrumentation design and development, engineering, data science and observatory support. Our fellowships are intended to leverage this environment to help mentor researchers who will become the leaders necessary to enable ambitious cutting edge astronomy research in the coming decades. We are committed to ensuring that all staff members promptly receive the accommodation they need to do their job and we understand the importance of work/life balance.

Education

PhD in astronomy or astrophysics or a closely related field obtained within three years of starting the position or anticipated to be awarded in the next 6 months.

• Experience in the publication of high calibre astronomical research papers in the refereed scientific literature is required.
• Experience in obtaining, reducing, analyzing, and/or aiding in the interpretation of astronomical data from ground- and/or space-based observatories or from astronomical data archives is required.
• Research experience in the field of star formation or a closely related field, including publications, is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with ALMA or other radio/submillimetre interferometry data is desirable.
• Experience working with large cloud computing resources is helpful but not required.

Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

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, 2023*) 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
• Research statement, no longer than 3 pages (references excluded). Please highlight in your statement what you consider to be your most impactful contribution to your field (paper, result, software, instrument, etc.)
• Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to provide a reference on your behalf. Reference letters should not be submitted with the application, but may be requested during the review process

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 $83,985 to $116,641.

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 $83,985.

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.

About the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre

We are Canada's gateway to the stars. At the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, we maintain and operate Canada's largest and most powerful observatories and represent the country in some of the world's leading astronomy initiatives. We are astronomy and astrophysics experts, conducting cutting-edge research, operating Canada's national observatories, providing extensive data management and analysis tools through our Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, supporting activities at international observatories and developing advanced astronomical instruments with industrial partners.

Anchored by the spectacular Inner Harbour, historic downtown Victoria, the Capital City of British Columbia, is the economic heart of the region and Vancouver Island. Our downtown is safe to enjoy day and night. Welcome to a place you can call home for you and your family.
Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. This, combined with spectacular ocean views and mountain vistas, encourage year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, golfing, cycling, gardening and kayaking.
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More…

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!
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

• In 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• 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 therequisition number (23057) to:

Closing Date: 19 December 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.