Postdoctoral Fellow in Optical Ground Station Systems for Laser Communications

Position Description

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The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto (UofT) seeks to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work on the development and integration of optical ground station systems for free-space optical and quantum communications.

The appointee will work as a member of Prof. Suresh Sivanandam’s research group, in close collaboration with Tightbeam Photonics Inc. and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). The successful candidate will take a leading role in the development, integration, and testing of the optical and communications subsystems of a compact optical ground station (OGS) for space-to-ground laser communications. The OGS will incorporate a photonic adaptive optics system-on-a-chip (AOSoC) to correct atmospheric turbulence and efficiently couple received light into single-mode fibre, enabling both high-speed classical free-space optical communications and quantum communications, as well as astronomical applications.

Responsibilities will include optical system design and simulation; laboratory assembly, alignment, characterization, and testing of optical systems; integration of optical, mechanical, electronic, communications, and control subsystems; development and testing of the optical uplink and downlink; and integration of the AOSoC into the complete ground station. The appointee will work closely with the integrated photonics postdoctoral researcher to define optical and system interfaces for the AOSoC and to characterize the performance of the integrated system. The candidate will participate in laboratory testing under simulated atmospheric turbulence and subsequent on-sky testing of the completed system, including testing in collaboration with NRC facilities in Ottawa.

The Dunlap Institute pursues groundbreaking astronomical research through innovative approaches to instrumentation, data-driven science and observations, alongside a substantive commitment to outreach and training. The Dunlap Institute is co-located with and has strong ties to the University of Toronto’s David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DADDAA) and to the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA). These three units together host more than 150 faculty, postdocs, staff and students, who conduct a diverse research program across instrumentation, observations, computation and theory. The Dunlap Institute is located on a beautiful 19th century campus in the heart of one of the world’s great cities. Rated as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, Toronto offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor pursuits, and a vibrant and diverse cultural community.

The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of further extensions subject to funding availability. The position has a starting annual salary of CAD $74,922 plus generous benefits, a research allowance of CAD $10,000 per year, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to request additional research funds from the Dunlap Institute.

Applicants must have earned a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, photonics, engineering or a related field at the time of appointment. Applicants should have a PhD awarded on or after January 1, 2022 (career interruptions or other extenuating circumstances will be accommodated, and should be noted in the cover letter). The other selection criteria for this position are:

1) demonstrated hands-on experience in the design, assembly, alignment, characterization, and testing of complex optical systems in a laboratory environment and/or on-sky; and

2) demonstrated experience in adaptive optics, free-space optical communications, laser communications, optical instrumentation, optomechanical design, optical system integration, or a closely related area.

Additional desirable but not essential criteria are: experience integrating complex electro-optical or electro-opto-mechanical systems, including hardware and software/control interfaces; experience with quantum communications or quantum optics; and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative instrumentation-development team.

The Dunlap Institute is committed to an inclusive and flexible workplace. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, racialized people, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. Subject to immigration regulations, the successful candidate will be given the option to take up the position as a part-time appointment (such a request need not be made as part of a candidate's initial application).

The nominal starting date for the position is January 2027, but flexibility is available. All application materials must be submitted online at AcademicJobsOnline by October 29, 2026. Applicants should submit (in PDF format):

• a cover letter explicitly addressing the above selection criteria,
• a curriculum vitae,
• a list of publications, and
• a summary of research/instrumentation accomplishments and future interests (maximum three pages).

Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of reference (on letterhead and signed) uploaded through AcademicJobsOnline by the writers by October 29, 2026.

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The normal
hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow
(pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs
of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the
supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the
employee’s duties and hours of work.

Employment as a
Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the
CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement. This job is posted in accordance with
the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

The
University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community
and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of
colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with
disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further
diversification of ideas.