Research Associate (Consolidation & Water Treatment)

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has a term length of one year.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The position will be supervised by Dr. Aman Ullah in Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences. The research is part of the Consolidation and Water Treatment research theme and contributes to developing solutions to environmental challenges and current energy systems. The Research Associate will work with Dr. Ullah for the development of consolidants and (bio)-sorbents, photo-catalysts and applied advanced materials research. Their potential for consolidation and water remediation will be investigated. The position provides opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with a research team working on a larger theme. The successful candidate for this position needs to be an enthusiastic and passionate researcher.

• Supporting research development and implementation of advanced (bio)- materials from waste as bio-based consolidants and adsorbents, including data collection and analysis (working with team members).
• Providing guidance in design and preparation of (solution casted and spin coated) films /sensors and other advanced materials for students, postdoctoral scientists and researchers.
• Coordinating additional data analysis to move initial R&D results through calibration, validation and demonstration activities in order to provide tools that can be transferred to industry (e.g. optimization of biopolymer modifications or enhancing surface area/morphology/reactivity of consolidants and biosorbents).
• Working with researchers, industry or technical personnel in order to develop tailored applications of advanced (bio)-materials for industry partners.
• Assisting in writing research proposal, research papers, preparation of presentations and other communication material (including for industry conferences and workshops) under the direction of the lead scientists.
• Work with the PIs in designing and conducting experiments.
• Prepare samples for structural, optical, thermal and mechanical analyses; apply next-generation environment friendly conversion approaches to obtain Consolidants and biosorbents and do analyses to help comprehend conversion pathways and synthesis/chemical characterization. Do consolidation/ bio sorption and water analysis.
• Write research papers, progress reports and present results at research group meetings, workshops and scientific conferences as well as participate in preparation of research reports/applications for third party funding (grants or direct industry support as required).
• Train or guide other laboratory fellows in developing  consolidants, (bio)-materials/bio-sorbent preparations, analyses and interpretation; and document synthesis procedures for laboratory use (as required).

• PhD in Physics or other related disciplines from a recognized educational institute with a commendable track record of publications and/or patents.
• Experience in advanced material synthesis (including biomaterials, inorganic, semiconductors, GO and Graphene quantum dot, photocatalysts,), their characterization, biopolymer (Keratin) modification, consolidation of oil sand tailings and water remediation.
• Knowledge of advanced material structure – property relations and how to fine tune material properties according to applications.
• Hands on experience with SEM, FTIR, Tensile measurements, TGA, DSC,  Absorption, and transmission, Photoluminescence, Thin film (drop/solution casting and spin coating, etc.), ellipsometry, electrical characterization, optical profilometer, etc.
• Experience of developing value-added materials from waste and bio-resources, also familiar to the  the projects relevant to sensors.
• Proven expertise in the following areas: advanced synthesis/modification and characterization; water treatment, experience in altering material application based on structure/property relationship.
• Experience of coordinating and managing the lab and research activities.
• Experience of training students for their research.
• Experience in high quality scientific writing.
• Strong academic record and organizational skills.
• Effective communication (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal skills to work in a diverse team environment effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and adaptability to work under the supervision of principal investigators with flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques as a self-starter.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to multitask when required and outstanding time management skills.
• Ability to work safely, effectively and independently in a lab environment.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• CV
• Cover Letter
• List of Publications
• Research Plan
• Access, Community, and Belonging Philosophy
• Academic Referral Letters

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $81,719 annually.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.