The University of Toronto invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Milky Way Mapper (MWM) pipeline team within the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V (SDSS-V). The MWM program focuses on stellar astrophysics, binarity, and Galactic archaeology through optical and near-infrared spectroscopy. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of an international team operating MWM and will take responsibility for the development and operation of key aspects of the MWM pipelines, orchestrated by the Astra framework, for the near-infrared APOGEE and/or optical BOSS spectrographs at Las Campanas and Apache Point Observatories.

Your responsibilities will include:

•       Develop and operate key aspects of the MWM pipelines, orchestrated by the Astra framework, for the near-infrared APOGEE and/or optical BOSS spectrographs at Las Campanas and Apache Point Observatories.

•       Work closely with the MWM Program Head and Astra Manager to ensure effective communication and feedback between the Astra team and the MWM science working groups. This feedback loop is essential for the timely and inclusive validation of Astra data products across the full N-dimensional space covered by the MWM science programs, and for the efficient implementation of required changes within the Astra’s pipeline(s).

•       Coordinate with the team working on ApogeeReductions.jl and contribute directly to its development and/or something else, depending on whether the candidate's primary expertise is in infrared or optical observations.

Qualifications:

●       PhD in astrophysics or a related field and be proficient in (spectroscopic) data analysis and programming in Python
●       Familiarity with the Julia programming language and experience working with stellar and/or Galactic astrophysics survey data are considered assets.
●       If the candidate’s primary expertise is in APOGEE, they are expected to join the team working on the APOGEEReductions.jl project and actively contribute to its development.
●       Alternatively, if the candidate’s main expertise lies in optical spectroscopy, they should take the lead in the corresponding activities, as guided by the Astra manager.

The starting date will be October 2025. Funds will be available for travel and other research expenses. 

Please send applications to jak@cita.utoronto.ca.

We only accept electronic submissions. Applicants will be asked to submit a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and arrange for three letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications and all letters of recommendation is August 31, 2025.

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.
 
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.

Please send inquiries to Juna Kollmeier at jak@cita.utoronto.ca