Research Associate - Photo-Activated Materials & Optical Sensors

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

Job End Date

Duration: 1 year, renewable for a second year based on work performance and funding availability
FTE and

Work hours:

Full time 100% FTE, 40 hours per week
Salary: $76,128 per year

About UBC

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and instruction, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. We are recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia (BC) and Canada, and consistently chosen as one of BC’s best places to work and top employers. We prioritize and intentionally focus on building a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is why UBC is recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers.

Professional growth and career development are promoted and encouraged at UBC, and opportunities to achieve career aspirations are included in our strategic plan.

Job Description

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our team, focusing on the intersection of advanced material science and optoelectronic engineering. The successful candidate will lead the development of next-generation sensors, moving from the synthesis of novel semiconductor materials to the design and testing of functional optical gas sensor prototypes.

Review of applications will begin on April 6, 2026, and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Start Date: April 8, 2026 -- depending on successful applicant

Location: UBC Vancouver campus

Duration: 1 year, renewable for a second year based on work performance and funding availability

FTE and Work hours
:
Full time 100% FTE, 40 hours per week

Salary: $76,128 per year

Job Responsibilities

• Material Development & Characterization: Lead the experimental synthesis of semiconductor materials, focusing on photo-activated materials tailored for sensing applications. Perform structural and chemical analysis of materials using tools such as XRD, SEM, and XPS.

• Optoelectronic Development & Integration: Conduct experimental studies on the development and application of optical emitters (LEDs/Lasers) and detectors (Photodiodes) for sensing applications.

• Sensor Design & Prototyping: Design, develop, and assemble UV-activated and optical gas sensor prototypes.

• Validation & Testing: Establish protocols to evaluate sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and stability in controlled gas environments.

Others

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

• Carries out other related duties as required and contributes to special projects as needed.

Technical Skills & Core Expertise

• Semiconductor Chemistry: Proficiency in experimental synthesis techniques (e.g., sol-gel, hydrothermal, or CVD) for photo-activated semiconductor solid solutions.

• Optics & Photonics: Hands-on experience with optical components, including light source integration (UV/Visible), detector alignment, and signal modulation.

• Analytical Instrumentation: Expertise in material characterization (XRD, SEM, EDX, UV-Vis spectroscopy) and electronic testing (Source Measure Units).

• Data Analysis & Design: Skills in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data acquisition, alongside familiarity with optical simulation or CAD software.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Optics and Photonics, or a closely related field.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant postdoctoral research fellow experience

• Candidates with directly relevant experience in UV-activated sensor or optical sensor development are strongly preferred.

Professional Attributes:

• Proven ability to bridge the gap between fundamental material research and functional device prototyping.

• Strong analytical troubleshooting skills within a laboratory environment.

• Excelle…