Research Assistant 1

McGill University; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a candidate for a physics position focused on operating and planning optical setups, maintaining ultrafast laser systems, and training students. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in physics, experience in laser lab environments, and skills in programming and CAD design. The position offers a competitive hourly salary in a collaborative research environment, encouraging applications from diverse candidates.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience working in an ultrafast laser lab.
• 1 year experience in ultra-high vacuum system design.
• 1 year experience in THz optics.

Responsibilities

• Plan and operate optical setups for THz pulses.
• Maintain ultrafast laser systems for experiments.
• Train students on laser and vacuum systems.

Skills

Attention to details

Working in a laser lab

Generation of THz pulses

CAD design

Machining metals and ceramics

Programming in Python

Education

Undergraduate degree in physics

Job description

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Hiring Unit

Department of Physics

Position Summary

• Plan and operate optical setups to generate strong field THz pulses and integrate them into electron scattering instruments being developed in the lab.
• Operate, characterize and maintain various ultrafast laser systems and facilitate their integration into experiments.
• Implement best practices for laser safety in the laboratory and make sure all researchers are properly trained on the ultrafast laser systems.
• Maintain and operate high and ultra-high vacuum systems for the purpose of electron scattering experiments.
• Work with the Machine Shop personnel for custom components required to integrate THz pulses into the electron microscopes being developed.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students to whom sub-tasks are delegated on the above mentioned instruments.

Qualifications

• Attention to details
• Working in a laser lab and with alignment of ultrafast laser pulses
• Generation of THz pulses and their alignment
• CAD design, particularly of ultra-high vacuum chambers
• Machining metals and specialized ceramics with hand tools, lathe and mill
• Programming in Python – 1 years experience working in an ultrafast laser lab
• 1 year experience in ultra-high vacuum system design
• 1 year experience in THz optics
• First aid training and WHMIS an asset

Skills and Education

• Undergraduate degree in physics

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary:

$29.87

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Location:

Rutherford Physics

Supervisor:

Professor

Position Start Date:

2025-11-17

Position End Date:

2028-05-14

Deadline to Apply:

2025-12-15

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].