Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Particle Astrophysics

Position Description  The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto (UofT) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to work on the General Antiparticle Spectrometer (GAPS) Antarctic balloon program. GAPS is the first experiment optimized for detection of low-energy cosmic-ray antiprotons, antideuterons, and antihelium nuclei for dark matter. The first of several planned flights was successfully completed in January 2026.
The appointee will work as a member of Prof. Field Rogers’ research group. They will play a leading role in the development of a new scintillating fiber sensor system as an upgrade for the second GAPS flight, including mentoring of research students. Additional responsibilities will be negotiated to support the candidate’s career development as well as the needs of the group.

Opportunities within Prof. Rogers’ lab could include analysis of GAPS flight-1 data, analysis and/or pipeline development associated with data from the upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) telescope, or related science with low-energy cosmic rays. Projects outside the lab’s existing scope, including but not limited to collaboration with other research groups at UofT, may be possible pending agreement among all parties and the availability of research funds.
The Dunlap Institute pursues groundbreaking astronomical research through innovative approaches to instrumentation, data-driven science and observations, alongside a substantive commitment to outreach and training. The Dunlap Institute is co-located with and has strong ties to the University of Toronto’s David

A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DADDAA) and to the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA). These three units together host more than 150 faculty, postdocs, staff and students, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observations, computation and theory. The Dunlap Institute is located on a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world’s great cities.

Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Toronto offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor pursuits, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community.
The Dunlap Institute is committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, racialized people, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. Subject to immigration regulations, the successful candidate will be given the option to take up the position as a part-time appointment (such a request need not be made as part of a candidate's initial application).

Start Date:

The anticipated start date is January 2027, but later start dates are possible.
Final date to receive applications:
Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Term:
The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of further extensions up to three years.
Salary:
The position has a starting annual salary of CAD 75,516.
generous benefits
an annual research allowance
relocation assistance
the opportunity to request additional research funds

Qualifications:

Demonstrated excellence in developing, calibrating, and/or commissioning scientific instrumentation, particularly nuclear radiation sensors and/or high-altitude or space instrumentation,
Demonstrated ability to work as a part of an instrumentation team, including commitment to an atmosphere of collaboration and respect in which the contributions of every member are valued,
Excellent scientific communication skills, as demonstrated through publications, application materials, and other professional communications.

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