Hardware Technical Specialist (100% Onsite, Two-year term)

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto is seeking a Hardware Technical Specialist to support research projects focused on self-driving labs for accelerated discovery at the St. George campus in Downtown Toronto.

This 100% onsite, two-year term role reports to the Executive Director of the Acceleration Consortium and collaborates with scientists and engineers to design experiments, develop prototypes, and analyze data. The ideal candidate has an engineering background with hands-on 3D printing and CAD skills,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; master's preferred.
• At least 3 years supporting research: design, prototype, data analysis, and lab maintenance.
• Hands-on with 3D printing and CAD software such as SolidWorks/AutoCAD.
• Proficient in Python, MATLAB or C/C++ for scripting, control systems and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab experiments with precision and attention to detail.
• Analyze and recommend options for project design.
• Assess installation methods for apparatus and devices.
• Stay informed on current technologies and industry best practices.
• Coordinate routine maintenance of lab equipment.
• Apply established standards when operating fabrication equipment.
• Serve as a technical resource on lab protocols and procedures.

Skills

3D printing

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Hardware Technical Specialist (100% Onsite, Two-year term)

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description

About us

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

The Acceleration Consortium (AC), based at the University of Toronto (U of T), is a global community of academia, industry, and government working to accelerate the discovery and development of advanced materials and molecules. The AC develops self-driving laboratories (SDLs), autonomous research platforms that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and advanced computing to dramatically reduce the time and cost of scientific discovery.

The Acceleration Consortium (AC) promotes an inclusive research environment and supports the EDI priorities of the unit.

The Acceleration Consortium received a $200M Canadian First Research Excellence Grant for seven years to develop self-driving labs for chemistry and materials, the largest ever grant to a Canadian University. This grant will provide the Acceleration Consortium with seven years of funding to execute its vision.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, Acceleration Consortium and working under the guidance of (Senior) Research Associates, this position will play a pivotal role in supporting research projects focused on self-driving labs for accelerated discovery, and will collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. Responsibilities include but are not limited to Experimental Design and Execution, Computational Modeling, Prototype Development, Data Analysis, and Lab Maintenance.

This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Your responsibilities will include

• Performing lab experiments that requires great precision and attention to many details
• Analyzing and recommending options for project design
• Analyzing applicable installation methods for apparatus and devices
• Keeping well-informed on current technologies, best practices and industry standards
• Coordinating routine maintenance of lab equipment
• Applying established standards when operating fabrication equipment
• Serving as a technical resource on laboratory protocols, and experimental procedures and equipment

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably with a focus on chemical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or related fields, or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience and education. A master's degree in engineering is preferred.
• Minimum three years of recent and relevant experience in supporting research projects, including experimental design and execution, prototype development, data analysis, data reporting, and lab maintenance.
• Hands‑on experience with 3D printing technologies, including design software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and printer operation.
• Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++, with the ability to develop custom scripts and algorithms control systems and modeling.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present

Assets (Nonessential)

• Master's degree in engineering
• Experience working in a chemistry, materials science, or biology research environment
• Experience with certification of electrical equipment

To be successful in this role you will be

• Communicator
• Efficient
• Insightful
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Team player

Closing Date: 10/23/2026, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Grant - Term

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 11 -- $79,640 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $101,845. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

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Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Research, Data Analyst, Engineer, Engineering, Data