Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Particle Astrophysics
Application Submission: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/UofT/Dunlap/PDF_GAPS2026
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026
Closing Date: October 15, 2026
Inquiries: Prof. Field Rogers <field.rogers@dunlap.utoronto.ca>
Job Description :
Please note that this posting will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on October 16, 2026.
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 anticipated start date is January 2027, but later start dates are possible. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of further extensions up to three years. The position has a starting annual salary of CAD 75,516 and also comes with generous benefits, an annual research allowance, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional 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.
Applicants must have earned a PhD in physics, astronomy/astrophysics, engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment. Applicants should have a PhD awarded on or after January 1, 2022 (career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances will be accommodated and should be noted in the cover letter). Additional selection criteria include:
1) Demonstrated excellence in developing, calibrating, and/or commissioning scientific instrumentation, particularly nuclear radiation sensors and/or high-altitude or space instrumentation,
2) 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, and
3) Excellent scientific communication skills, as demonstrated through publications, application materials, and other professional communications.
Experience with scintillating fiber technology, SiPMs, charge-sensitive readout electronics systems, ASIC systems, space qualification, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, astronomical or particle physics data analysis, particle physics simulation, and/or supervision of research students will be welcome but not required.
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).
All application materials must be submitted online at AcademicJobsOnline before the application will be considered. Applicants should submit (in PDF format):
- a cover letter explicitly addressing the above selection criteria,
- a CV including a full list of publications, and
- a statement of research including past accomplishments and future interests (maximum three pages excluding references).
Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of reference uploaded directly to AcademicJobsOnline by the letter writers.
Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
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The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.
Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement. This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
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