Postdoctoral Fellowship, Adaptive Optics Scientist

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Postdoctoral Fellowship, Adaptive Optics Scientist

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

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

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.

The role

A confluence of technological milestones in detector, computation and machine learning development, both globally and within the NRC, makes high-speed non-linear wavefront sensing for Astronomy an imminent technological milestone. We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher to lead the design, build and test of a non-linear wavefront sensor from the ground up with the objective of demonstrating fully non-linear real-time control on-sky using the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory’s 1.2m telescope.

The successful candidate will conduct research toward enabling astrophysical observations which are not yet possible, and increasing the scientific productivity of ground-based optical telescopes. The candidate will leverage HAA’s real time control, machine learning, and wavefront sensing expertise, and that of collaborators at Canadian Universities. Taking advantage of HAA’s unique local on-sky Adaptive Optics capabilities, the candidate will be encouraged to grow as an instrument scientist by working to identify and find solutions to key technological hurdles in AO science, while gaining experience in the full instrument development process from conceptual design through integration at the observatory.

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 Physics and Astronomy, Astrophysics or Engineering in a field related to the position. For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.

Candidates should meet one or more of the following experience asset criteria:

- Experience working with adaptive optics systems (laboratory or on-sky).

- Experience with simulation tools used to model adaptive optics systems. E.g. HCIpy, OOPAO, OOMAO

- Experience with optical design tools.

- Significant programming experience. Preferred: Python or Matlab; IDL, C/C++ or other languages also acceptable.

Research - Results orientation (Level 1)

Research - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 1)

Research - Teamwork (Level 1)

Competency Profile

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

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.

*Note: 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

To be considered for the program please include the following in your application. Attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded.

- Resume

- Research Statement (maximum three pages in length)

- PhD Transcript - electronic copy sufficient

- List of Publications

When submitting your application, you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as Second language evaluation results or Other attachments.

Applicants who best meet the requirements may 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 the position at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and growth within the role. Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate's prior experience. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985.

The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also 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.

More…

The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre is committed to creating an inclusive environment for research, learning and service. We value the merit of a diverse community of staff, students and collaborators. We can offer technical and advisory services in optical and radio astronomy, advanced instrumentation and data science. Technological expertise

- Adaptive optics

- Data archiving and science platforms

- Digital signal processing

- Electrical engineering

- Instrumentation science

- Manufacturing and machining

- Mechanical engineering

- Millimetre-wave technology

- Optical engineering

- Project management

- Software, controls and machine learning

Scientific expertise

- Exoplanets

- History of Canadian astronomy

- Milky Way and neighbouring galaxies

- Protostars and proto-planetary disks

- Star and galaxy clusters

- Variable and transient astronomical sources

About Victoria

Victoria is a city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, located on Vancouver Island. It offers a mild climate and opportunities for outdoor recreation, housing, and community amenities.

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, 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 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.

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 the requisition number (24511) 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 Careers module from your NRC computer.

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