Engineering Technician 2

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Job Profile

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Compensation Range

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

JOB SUMMARY

To support research and analysis as part of an interdisciplinary research program co-led by Professors Aaron Boley (Physics and Astronomy) and Michael Byers (Political Science). The program focuses on space sustainability, security and governance, broadly defined, with funding from a SSHRC Insight Grant on Sustainable Development of Low Earth Orbit, an NSERC New Horizons Grant on Orbital and Surface Risks from Rocket Bodies, and a Department of National Defence MINDS Network Grant on Space Security.

Major responsibilities include assisting in research at the interface between astrophysics, space policy, international relations, and international space law, drafting and editing research output, supporting workshop organization, supporting conference presentations and other forms of knowledge dissemination, maintaining the research program's online presence, and identifying additional grant opportunities and drafting applications for them.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

Reports to Professor Aaron Boley (Physics and Astronomy); works closely with Professor Michael Byers (Political Science). Works also with post-doctoral research fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, and research program collaborators nationally and internationally.

WORK PERFORMED

Conducts supportive research and analysis at the interface between astrophysics, space policy, international relations, and international space law.

Analyzes orbits of satellites, space debris, and related objects in Earth orbits and cislunar space.

Coordinates with research team members across disciplines.

Provides drafting and editing support for research papers and other research products, including evidence-based advice to decision-makers—such as responding to government calls for consultation on space-policy matters.

Supports conference presentations and other forms of knowledge dissemination such as Parliamentary testimony, public events, newspaper op-eds, and media interviews.

Engages with an international network of research program collaborators.

Plans, organizes and participates in research meetings, workshops and other events.

Assists in identifying further funding opportunities and preparing grant applications.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

This position requires strong managerial and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate is expected to work relatively autonomously and act as a resource for faculty, staff and students. The ability of the candidate to act in a professional and personal manner, and maintain comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date knowledge of the research program is of great importance to its success. Consequently, the success and impact of the research program will be significantly affected by the candidate's ability to competently perform the job requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The successful candidate will receive general direction from Professor Aaron Boley (Physics and Astronomy), while also working closely with Professor Michael Byers (Political Science).

SUPERVISION GIVEN

The successful candidate will work with, and help to evaluate, student research assistants, undergraduate volunteers, and the non-academic performance of directed studies students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree in physics, astronomy, international law, international relations or another relevant discipline.

Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level research and analysis at the intersection of space science, space policy, international relations and international law, to work effectively both independently and in a team environment, and to prioritize, take initiative, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

Some existing knowledge of space debris, space sustainability, space policy and/or space law.

Ability to analyze and visualize data sets, as well as perform relevant calculations.

Strong writing and editing skills, including technical manuscripts.

Demonstrated ability in grant writing, budgeting, and reporting.