Laboratory Scientist – Advanced Nanomaterials & Composites

Volta Energy Inc.; Pickering; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Volta Energy Inc. in Pickering, Ontario, is seeking a Laboratory Scientist for the SPICE research team.

You will own experimental development for advanced materials, including carbon-based nanomaterials, translating concepts into reproducible lab solutions and measurable performance improvements. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers to advance dispersions, films and composites toward real-world energy and industrial applications, while maintaining rigorous documentation and safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology or related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on lab or industrial R&D in advanced materials, nanomaterials or related fields.
• Hands-on experience with materials processing, dispersion, formulation and fabrication in a lab setting.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments, troubleshoot, interpret data and recommend next steps.
• Strong documentation and safety practices in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and own experimental development activities from initial investigation through troubleshooting and validation.
• Develop and optimize processing, dispersion, purification and modification techniques for advanced materials.
• Design, prepare and evaluate material dispersions and formulations focusing on stability and reproducibility.
• Develop and refine lab-scale fabrication methods for films, coatings, composites and related systems.
• Proactively identify challenges, investigate root causes and propose practical solutions.
• Conduct materials characterization and analytical testing; interpret results and translate into recommendations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while advancing defined technical objectives and communicating progress.
• Maintain accurate records, inventory and SOPs; uphold safety and quality practices.
• Review literature to identify opportunities for improving methods and material performance.
• Contribute to process optimization and scalable manufacturing improvements.

Skills

3+ years lab/industrial R&D experience

Materials processing & dispersion

Experiment design & troubleshooting

Prioritization & documentation

Safety practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology or related field

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

SEM

Raman spectroscopy

FTIR

TGA

XRD

Job description

Founded in 2009, Volta Energy Inc. is a Canadian technology company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies for the energy and power sectors. With operations in Toronto and Pickering, Volta brings together engineers, scientists and technology professionals to advance solutions in energy storage, advanced materials, hydrogen technologies and electrical intelligence.

Guided by our philosophy of "Rethink the Obvious," we pursue innovation through the intersection of scientific disciplines and engineering expertise.

Position Overview

Volta Energy is seeking a highly motivated, resourceful and hands-on Laboratory Scientist to join our SPICE research team in Pickering, Ontario. This position is suited to an experimental scientist who takes initiative, exercises sound technical judgment and thrives on solving challenging problems in an industrial R&D environment.

The successful candidate will take ownership of laboratory development activities involving advanced materials, including carbon-based nanomaterials, and translate scientific concepts into practical experimental solutions, reproducible processes and measurable performance improvements.

Working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, the candidate will help advance functional dispersions, films and composites toward real-world energy and industrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and take ownership of experimental development activities, from initial investigation through troubleshooting, optimization and validation.
• Develop and optimize processing, separation, purification and modification techniques for advanced materials, including carbon-based nanomaterials.
• Design, prepare and evaluate material dispersions and formulations, emphasizing stability, uniformity, reproducibility and functional performance.
• Develop and refine laboratory-scale fabrication methods for functional films, coatings, composites and other advanced material systems.
• Proactively identify experimental challenges, investigate root causes and recommend practical solutions or alternative technical approaches.
• Conduct materials characterization and analytical testing; interpret results and translate findings into actionable recommendations and next-step experiments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams while independently advancing defined technical objectives and communicating progress, risks and decisions.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, inventory and technical reports; develop and follow SOPs and uphold laboratory safety and quality practices.
• Review relevant scientific literature and emerging techniques to identify opportunities for improving methods, material performance and development efficiency.
• Contribute to experimental process optimization, performance evaluation and the advancement of laboratory methods toward scalable manufacturing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum three years of relevant hands-on laboratory or industrial R&D experience in advanced materials, nanomaterials, composites, chemical synthesis or related fields.
• Practical experience with materials processing, dispersion, formulation, or functional materials fabrication and laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, troubleshoot problems, interpret data and recommend next steps.
• Ability to manage competing experimental priorities, communicate technical findings clearly and maintain rigorous documentation.
• Strong laboratory safety practices, personal accountability, collaboration skills and a results-oriented approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with carbon nanomaterials or other functional materials, including dispersion, separation, purification or composite processing.
• Experience in catalyst preparation or nanomaterial synthesis; familiarity with GC, viscosity measurement, centrifugation or related laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with SEM, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, TGA, XRD and experimental data analysis.
• Experience in industrial R&D, thin-film or polymer composite fabrication, process optimization, performance evaluation or laboratory-scale technology scale-up.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a hands-on experimental scientist who takes pride in solving difficult technical problems and delivering tangible results. The ideal candidate is curious, resourceful and self-motivated, with the confidence to propose experiments, challenge assumptions constructively and pursue practical solutions.

They are equally comfortable designing an experiment, operating equipment, troubleshooting unexpected results and interpreting data to determine the next course of action. We value ownership, accountability, persistence and an understanding that industrial R&D success is measured by technical challenges overcome and technologies advanced—not simply by experiments completed.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to contribute to emerging technologies in advanced materials and energy storage.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary research spanning materials science, chemistry, engineering and manufacturing.
• Hands-on involvement in developing new material formulations and fabrication processes.
• A collaborative research environment with experienced engineers and scientists.
• Opportunities for professional development and participation in innovative industrial R&D projects.

Volta Energy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified candidates with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds.