Postdoctoral Fellowships

An artistic representation of a view of the surface of one of the exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. (Credit: N. Bartmann/ESO)
An artistic representation of a view of the surface of one of the exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. (Credit: N. Bartmann/ESO)

The Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx), affiliated with the Department Physics of the Université de Montréal (UdeM), offers the Trottier Postdoctoral Fellowship each year in experimental, observational or theoretical astrophysics applied to the study of exoplanets, which enables forefront independent research related to exoplanets.

This fellowship is named in honour of the Trottier Family Foundation, which supports this fellowship as well as a large portion of our Institute’s research and education activities.

Open Competition: 2025 Trottier Postdoctoral Fellowship

Eligibility requirements:
  • A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy or related discipline is required at the time when the position starts.
  • All areas of research related to exoplanets, related fields of astrophysics and astronomical instrumentation are eligible.
  • Preference will be given to applicants within 3 years of obtaining their Ph.D. Applicants with career interruptions resulting from parental, medical or family leaves, or other causes are invited to mention these in their cover letter if so desired.
Location

The position is held at the Université de Montréal. The researcher will work on-site at the MIL campus located at 1375 ave Thérère-Lavoie-Roux in Montreal, or using a combination of remote work and on-site work.

Starting Date

The successful applicant is expected to start between May and September 2025.

Duration

The position is for two years, renewable for a third year subject to performance and availability of funds.

Conditions

The remuneration includes an annual salary of CAD 65,000 (full-time), maximum research funds of CAD 10,000 per year (for travel, publication, etc.), and a one-time allowance of up to CAD 2,000 for moving expenses to Montreal.

Postdoctoral fellows are part of SERUM-POSTDOC (the union of postdoctoral fellows of UdeM for postdoctoral fellows), and a collective agreement governs their working conditions. A full-time employee works between 35 and 40 hours per week. They are entitled to 23 vacation days and up to 8 sick days per year. They are also entitled to several holidays and social leaves, including parental leave.

The Postdoctoral Fellow Guide at the University of Montreal contains additional relevant information about postdoctoral positions.

Application

To apply, fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/KQEYLYET3NYW2NMA9 or send your application to irex-applications@umontreal.ca

Your application must include, in a single PDF file:

  1. (optional) a cover letter (maximum 1 page)
  2. a statement of research interest (maximum 2 pages)
  3. a curriculum vitae
  4. a list of publications: please clearly distinguish between peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed articles.

You should also arrange to have three referees send a letter of reference to irex-applications@umontreal.ca before the deadline.

Deadline

Applications submitted by December 4, 2024 will receive full consideration. This position will, however, remain open until filled.

 

About the iREx

IREx consists of a growing team of about 60 people working on a variety of observational, theoretical and instrumental projects related to the study of exoplanets and other related fields of astrophysics. They work within several research institutions located in Quebec, Canada (Université de Montréal, McGill University, Bishop’s University, Montreal Planetarium of Space for Life, Université Laval). Our professors, researchers, and students are actively involved in large international projects related to the detection and characterisation of exoplanets, notably the James Webb Space Telescope, the SPIRou and NIRPS spectrographs, and have privileged access to time and data from these instruments. More information on IREx’s research programs can be found here: https://exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/en/.

IREx has also a vibrant science education and outreach program led by astrophysicists who are seasoned science communicators. We believe in the importance of training scientists who have exceptional scientific research skills, but also outstanding communication skills. All of our members are involved in bringing science to a wide audience in a variety of ways.

IREx advocates for diversity, inclusion and employment equity. We strongly encourage applications from women, visible and ethnic minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to apply. With the support of our EDI committee, we are committed to the professional integration of people from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the physics research community.

If you have any questions about IREx or the Trottier Postdoctoral Fellowship, please contact Marie-Eve Naud, marie-eve.naud@umontreal.ca.