Assistant Professor - Astrophysics

Date Posted: 09/11/2023
Closing Date: 11/06/2023, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 32721
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in Astrophysics. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024.

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. We seek candidates in any area of Astrophysics whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research; establish and lead an outstanding, innovative, competitive, and externally funded research program; supervise research projects carried out by graduate and undergraduate students; teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses; and engage in university service activities.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence, which can be demonstrated by the applicant’s cover letter, a record of publications in top-ranked and field relevant journals or forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsements from referees of high standing.

We seek candidates who perform innovative research that will advance our understanding of the Universe. In their application materials, the successful candidate must:
• Provide a demonstrated record of innovative research;
• Provide a strong research plan with a vision for how this can be achieved at the University of Toronto;
• Demonstrate their capacity to prepare the leaders of the future in astrophysics by recruiting, supervising, training and mentoring research students, early-career researchers, and/or technical staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and levels of ability.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be provided through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (with required materials outlined below) submitted as part of the application, as well as strong letters of reference. Additionally, the successful candidate for this position must demonstrate experience in or capacity for teaching effectively and communicating clearly to a diverse student body, in a way that meaningfully advances equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading workshops or seminars, or student mentorship.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Toronto offers the opportunity to teach, conduct research, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The successful candidate will benefit from proximity to two other astronomy units based at the University: (1) The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, an endowed research institute dedicated to innovative technology, ground-breaking research, world-class training, and public engagement; and (2) The Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, a renowned National theory institute. University of Toronto astronomers have access to a wide range of observational facilities with guaranteed access to CFHT, Gemini, SDSS-V, LSST, JWST, ALMA, MWA and CHIME.

The Department is committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Candidates are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning working environment demonstrated through the application materials. The research and teaching statements must each address the applicant’s capacities to teach, train and support a diverse body of students/trainees and to meaningfully advance equity, inclusion and accessibility in the relevant contexts, as per the expectations listed above.

For information about the University’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and innovation see https://ediri.utoronto.ca/.

For additional information about the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics please visit http://www.astro.utoronto.ca. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact roberto.abraham@utoronto.ca to ask questions about the position or to seek further information.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants must submit:
• a cover letter;
• a current curriculum vitae including a full list of publications;
• a research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• a recent writing sample; and
• a teaching dossier that includes a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above.

We seek candidates who value diversity and whose research, teaching and service bear out our commitment to equity. Candidates are therefore also asked to submit a 1‐2 page statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee the day after an application is submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date. More details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available on the candidate FAQ.

Submission guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application material into one or two files in PDF or Word format. If you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Roberto Abraham at roberto.abraham@utoronto.ca.

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by the closing date, November 6, 2023.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.

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