GAAP

A Guide for Astronomers Applying to Positions in Industry

A series of online workshops
June 29th - July 15th, 2026



Registration Form

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GAAP-II (Guide for Astronomers Applying to Positions in Industry) is an online workshop series designed for graduates and postdocs who are planning to transition from astronomy to industry. The initiative aims to support emerging astronomers who are looking to transition, or bridge the gap, from academia to industry positions. The series ran for the first time in summer 2025 with a focus on applying to postdoctoral positions, jointly organized by the Graduate Student Committee (GSC) and the Postdoctoral Committee (PDC) of the Canadian Astronomical Society / Société Canadienne d'Astronomie (CASCA). Following the success of the first series, the GSC is now hosting this complementary series on transitioning from astronomy into industry.

The GAAP-II workshop sessions aim to provide helpful information and experiential insights about the process of applying to industry positions. The events also serve as a platform for discussions and opportunity for applicants to forge supportive connections with other applicants. We invite participation from students or recent graduates engaged in astronomy research who are interested in pursuing industry positions, particularly senior graduate students and postdocs in Canada.

Important Dates

  • March 30, 2026: The Expression of Interest Form opened, and we were amazed by the number of responses; thank you to everyone who filled this out!

  • June 1, 2026: Registration opened! Complete the Registration Form to receive connection details for the sessions. This form will remain open until the last session. You do not have to be at a Canadian university to register; participation is welcomed from one and all!

  • June 29, 2026 (12:00-1:30pm EDT): The Job Search

  • July 8, 2026 (12:00-1:30pm EDT): Marketing Your Unique Skillset

  • July 15, 2026 (12:00-1:30pm EDT): Where to Go From Here

Session 1

Session 1. The Job Search

Monday, June 29, 2026, 9am PDT / 10 am MDT / 11 am CDT / Noon EDT / 1 pm ADT

  • Basic strategies for job searching, positions that suit astronomer's skill set; networking and connecting with recruiters


Mubdi Rahman (Founder & Principal, Sidrat Research)

Samantha Ogrodnik (Career Services, University of Victoria)

Megan Tannock (Developer, Cosmographic Software)

Ryan Jackson (Manager of Research, Covenant House Vancouver)

Carter Rhea (Algorithm & Software Developer, Dragonfly FRO)

The slide deck from GAAP Session 1 will be uploaded after the live session.

The full recording will become available after the live session.

Session 2

Session 2. Marketing Your Unique Skillset

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 9am PDT / 10 am MDT / 11 am CDT / Noon EDT / 1 pm ADT

  • Translating astronomy and research skills to industry; what catches a recruiters eye

  • Succeed in interviews; writing a CV/résumé for industry


Rebecca Maymon (Academic Associate in Graduate Education, McGill University)

Henry Ngo (Director of Data Strategy, BC Public Service)

Mike Chen (Lead Data Scientist, Pro Bono Consulting Partnership)

John Walmsley (CEO/CTO/Program Director)

Terrence Tricco (Associate Professor of Computer Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland)

The slide deck from GAAP Session 2 will become available after the live session.

Full recording will become available after the live session.

Session 3

Session 3. Where to Go From Here

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 9am PDT / 10 am MDT / 11 am CDT / Noon EDT / 1 pm ADT

  • Transitioning into industry; why industry was the right path

  • Current state of the job market; the process of finding a job today

  • Featuring invited panelists: Stories and insights from folks who have recently left academia for industry


Spencer Bialek (Machine Learning/AI Specialist, Ocean Networks Canada)

Max Kurzner (PhD Candidate, University of Victoria)

Tomisin Jaiyesimi (Sales Representative, Ancera)

Megan Tannock (Developer, Cosmographic Software)

Henry Ngo (Director of Data Strategy, BC Public Service)

Mike Chen (Lead Data Scientist, Pro Bono Consulting Partnership)

Carter Rhea (Algorithm & Software Developer, Dragonfly FRO)

Full recording will become available after the live session.

Organizers


CASCA GSC Logo

Additional Resources

Turning Science

  • Turning Science aims to bridge the academia-industry gap to help PhDs market their skills and prepare for the hiring proces with interview practice, networking strategies, and more. They offer short 90-minute workshops along with more intensive day-long trainings.

The Erdős Institue

  • The Erdős Institue is a multi-university collaboration dedicated to helping PhDs secure fulfilling jobs at every stage of their career. The programming is offered in cohorts, 3 times per year, and runs entirely on-line. There are both recorded and live lectures for their certificate programs available!

  • There is one more cohort this year scheduled for Fall 2026 with an enrollment deadline of September 9th. The EXPLORE Level Programs are free to register!

Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network Career Symposium