Postdoctoral position for Pulsar Data Analysis Pipeline, University of British Columbia

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. Canada under the supervision of Prof. Ingrid Stairs.   The successful candidate will develop an automated pipeline to process data on hundreds of pulsars taken with the CHIME telescope in Penticton, B.C. The CHIME telescope consists of 4 fixed cylinders with focal-line arrays of antennae sensitive to the frequency range 400-800 MHz, functioning as a transit telescope. The Pulsar instrument receives up to 10 coherently sampled tracking beams from the correlator, allowing it to observe up to 10 pulsars at once.  A primary driver for the instrument is to acquire data for Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) science, but all visible pulsars are monitored with cadences no longer than about a week.  The long-term goal is for the data analysis pipeline to process new data according to a pulsar-specific configuration file, flux-calibrate the data, excise interference, derive pulsar times of arrival using both narrowband and wideband techniques, verify timing consistency, and incorporate machine-learning algorithms to check for effects such as mode changes, long-term profile changes, glitches (with outside collaborators), scintillation events, and indications of instrumental data-quality concerns.  The pipeline will be developed in consultation with the NANOGrav Quicklook team to ensure PTA compatibility.  There is funding for dedicated computing for the pipeline processing.

The successful candidate will spend 75% of their time on technical pipeline development, with the other 25% of their time available for related science work. There will be opportunities for observing and for collaboration and conference travel.  The postdoc will interact strongly with the UBC Pulsar/FRB research group, an analogous developer in the UBC LIGO group, and with the CHIME/Pulsar, NANOGrav and IPTA collaborations.

The position will be available as soon as is mutually agreeable, and the appointment will be for two years, with a third year possible depending on performance and funding.  Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics not more than 5 years prior to the start date.  Experience in python programming, git, and pulsar observations is essential.  The salary will be in the range $65,000-75,000 CAD, depending on experience.  UBC offers postdocs a wide-ranging benefits plan that includes extended health and dental coverage.

Only electronic applications will be accepted.  Applicants should send a C.V. and statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent by Jan. 22, 2024 to Prof. Stairs at [email protected] .

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.  Information on the Department of Physics and Astronomy may be found on the web at www.physics.ubc.ca .