Research Scientist

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Research Scientist 3

Please note, this is a 5-year, wholly grant-funded, temporary full-time contract opportunity, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s mission is to be a cornerstone of society’s development through physics and astronomy education of students, the creation and dissemination of knowledge, innovative partnerships with industry, government, and other educational institutions in the global community.

The research is designed to discover and study Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), including asteroids and comets that may pass close to, or impact, Earth, primarily using data from the Pan-STARRS (PS) telescopes located on Haleakala in Maui.

Responsibilities

The Research Scientist will provide guidance and consultation related to a variety of research functions in the area of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). Specifically, the Research Scientist will facilitate research designed to discover and study NEOs, including asteroids and comets that may pass close to, or impact, Earth, primarily using data from the Pan-STARRS (PS) telescopes, by providing guidance on research and experimental design and related equipment, as well as best approaches for project development, implementation, and evaluation. The Research Scientist will oversee research operations within the facility, foster research collaborations, and provide guidance to staff, students and post-doctoral fellows to solve research problems or issues that arise, as well as carry out and oversee original and independent research, develop new research initiatives and complete grant applications. In addition, the Research Scientist will analyze research results, publish and present findings, and develop new and innovative research approaches to achieve desired research outcomes.

Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Astronomy or Physics with a specialization in Planetary Science or the Solar System

Experience:

• 7 years’ working experience in a related academic research environment including working with professional grade telescopes and making astronomical observations
• Substantial work completed in a postdoctoral research portfolio in a directly related field with a strong publication record including first author publications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise of scientific/research principles in their area of specialty
• In-depth knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• In-depth knowledge of techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Familiarity with best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
• Project management skills to manage projects from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Well-developed public speaking skills to engage individuals and audiences inside and outside the University
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
• A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
• Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the research group’s events and activities
• Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Ability to interpret and identify key results or patterns in complex research data, and succinctly summarize findings
• Ability to coach research staff and students and support them to be self-directed and responsible for their own development and learning

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be acknowledged.