IBET PhD Fellowships with the McDonald Institute
The Arthur B. McDonald Astroparticle Physics Research Institute (McDonald Institute) and Queen’s University have scholarships available for up to two (2) four-year PhDs in Physics Engineering at Queen’s University. These positions are part of the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) program and will be based at the main Queen’s University campus in Kingston, Ontario, Canada (traditionally known as Katarokwi “the place where we get limestone” by the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples), within the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy.
This position represents an open call for applicants, both from those already accepted to attend graduate studies at Queen’s University as well as those who have not yet applied. Applications and communications from qualified, interested candidates are welcome at any time for start date of September 2023 or sooner. The McDonald Institute will work with you to expedite and support your application with the Queen’s University School of Graduate Studies if you have not already been accepted.
To apply, please reach out to a potential Queen’s University faculty member engaged in astroparticle physics research, found through the department astroparticle physics faculty listings or through the McDonald Institute faculty listings (only those at Queen’s University). You can also reach out to Dr. Alexandra Pedersen (Business Development Officer) to assist you in contacting potential supervisors or for questions about the application process or program. Detailed information can be found below.
The IBET Program
Announced in January 2021, the IBET PhD Project aims to address the urgent need to encourage and support the pursuit of graduate studies by under-represented groups in Canada that have been ignored as potential candidates in academia. This lack of representation has hindered the enrolment of Canadian Indigenous and Black graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. IBET recipients will receive funding support and a Momentum Fellowship which includes access to industry partnerships and additional networking opportunities. Access to mentorship and community support will also be an integral component of the program.
Position Description
The McDonald Institute supports the IBET PhD Project to address a historical lack of diversity in astroparticle physics in Canada. The inaugural IBET McDonald Institute Fellow at Queen’s will have supported access to a national astroparticle physics network spanning eight universities and five other institutional partners.
The opportunity is open to those with or finishing a Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, engineering physics, or related field who has a strong interest in experimental particle astrophysics. This opportunity is fixed for a four-year PhD depending on the interest of the successful candidate.
Successful candidates will be supervised by one of the McDonald Institute faculty or collaborating faculty members at Queen’s University who contribute to astroparticle research in Canada. You can find eligible supervisors through the department astroparticle physics faculty listings or through the McDonald Institute faculty listings (only those at Queen’s University)
Additionally, the IBET Fellow will have opportunities for professional development advancement through the collaboration team and McDonald Institute network. The successful candidate will have access to the full Professional Development Opportunities programming provided by the McDonald Institute to gain additional transferrable skills and access to grant writing, mentorship, and career trajectory support. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to the supervision and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students. There will also be opportunities to connect with the Indigenous Futures in Engineering program in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre.
The successful candidate will be based in Kingston, Ontario within the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy as a McDonald Institute IBET PhD Fellow at Queen’s University.
Renumeration
An IBET Fellow receives a minimum of $38,000/year ($25,000 from the McDonald Institute and Faculty of Arts and Science, a minimum contribution of $5,000/year from host supervisor, Teaching Assistantships (TAs), and is eligible for internally allocated awards). The successful candidate will be a member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada 901 (PSAC 901) Union representing postdoctoral fellows, TAs, and Research Assistants (RAs) at Queen’s University.
The IBET Fellow will be encouraged to apply for additional funding and be supported in that process by members of the McDonald Institute’s administrative team.
Qualifications
The positions are open to those with or finishing a Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, engineering physics, or a related field. Candidates will demonstrate a strong interest in experimental particle astrophysics and is open to learning. This opportunity is fixed for a 4-year PhD depending on the interest of the successful candidate.
Application Equity Considerations
The McDonald Institute will provide support in its recruitment process to applicants, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation when applying for this position, please contact Dr. Alexandra Pedersen (Business Development Officer) for support.
How to apply
This is an open call for interested Canadian Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) and Black students can apply for a Queen’s IBET Fellowship. The McDonald Institute will support applications for two (2) PhD student to start either September 2022 or January 2023.
Please reach out to a potential Queen’s University faculty member engaged in astroparticle physics research, found through the department astroparticle physics faculty listings or through the McDonald Institute faculty listings (only those at Queen’s University). You can also reach out to Dr. Alexandra Pedersen (Business Development Officer) to assist you in contacting potential supervisors or for questions about the application process or program. Applicants will still be expected to fill out the Queen’s IBET Application Document using the application form. The McDonald Institute will work with you to expedite and support your application with the Queen’s University School of Graduate Studies if you have not already been accepted.
Please note that the Queen’s IBET Application page and form specify Afro-Caribbean heritage for Black scholars, however all scholars who identify as Black are encouraged to apply.
Applications will continue to be reviewed until the two (2) fellowships have been offered and accepted. The expectation is that applicants will contact potential supervisors in parallel with the Institute to expedite the application process.
What is the McDonald Institute? Why work at Queen’s University?
The McDonald Institute is the Canadian centre for astroparticle physics research; uniting researchers, theorists, and technical experts within one organization. In 2016, the Institute was awarded $63.7 million through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). This award enables the McDonald Institute to significantly build on Canada’s capacity to deliver a world-leading scientific program in astroparticle physics while engaging industrial partners, students, and Canadians of all ages. Located at and led by Queen’s University, the McDonald Institute is proud to have 13 partner universities and research institutes across the country, all of which are key players in Canada’s past and future innovation in astroparticle physics.
Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Through leadership of the McDonald Institute, Queen’s supports astroparticle physics research across 4 departments (Physics, Chemistry, Geology and Mechanical & Materials Engineering). Queen’s is creating an environment that will enable Canada-based scientists to enhance astroparticle physics by leading science and technology developments that will be required for the next generation of world-leading experiments.