Research Associate – Quantum Materials

Department

Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Marcel Franz)

Faculty Non Bargaining

Faculty Non Bargaining

Research Associate – Quantum Materials

February 15, 2026 (Applications accepted until 11:59 PM)

February 15, 2028

The expected pay for this position is $6,850/month. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, and pension.

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is a world‑leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum science. Blusson QMI believes in the power of collaboration to fuel the search for creative solutions and, in addition to building a strong interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry and applied science, have established active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, the University of Tokyo, and many other world‑leading institutions.

The Research Associate – Quantum Materials is a highly motivated and skilled research scientist who focuses on the discovery and experimental investigation of emergent properties in novel quantum materials that result from the interplay of magnetism, dimensionality, and topology. The primary experimental tools used will be neutron and Raman scattering, complemented by electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and lab‑based measurements, together with exploratory synthesis of new compounds.

The Research Associate will also contribute to writing and publishing research project results, mentoring students and postdocs, and collaborating with other national and international academic institutions, government, and industry organizations. Other activities include attending conferences and workshops, obtaining and disseminating research results in high‑impact publications, as well as writing and submitting grants to fund research activities.

The Research Associate – Quantum Materials reports to the Project Principal Investigators, Meigan Aronson and Steven Dierker, and formally to the Blusson QMI Scientific Director. The incumbent makes decisions regarding planning and implementation of research projects and provides mentoring and coaching to students, postdoctoral fellows, senior staff, and international users.

• Carries out measurements of the excitations and emerging order in correlated electron materials using neutron scattering, Raman scattering, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Develops low‑temperature pressure and strain capabilities for Raman scattering experiments.
• Provides input and collaborates in the development of new quantum materials, and their structural and other characterization.
• Interacts with a team of graduate students and postdocs to develop and investigate new quantum materials, with the aim of discovering new benchmark systems, displaying novel properties such as topological superconductivity, Kondo breakdown, and quantum spin liquid properties. Contributes to the preparation and writing of research proposals and to the preparation of progress reports.

• Provides scientific advice and mentoring to students, postdoctoral fellows, and other staff.
• Publishes research results in high impact papers.
• Attends relevant conferences and workshops to collect and disseminate knowledge.

Works independently, in consultation with the Principal Investigators and other faculty members. Is called upon to use unique and highly advanced technical knowledge to resolve complex scientific and technical problems that have not been previously encountered and do not have established methods, principles or guidelines to follow for resolution - develops these as necessary and documents the process.

Works together with the Principal Investigators, and is called upon to use unique and advanced technical knowledge to resolve or aid in the resolution of complex scientific and technical problems with students and postdocs.

• Ph.D. and at least three years…