Research Associate

University of Alberta Careers; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alberta Careers seeks a researcher to support commissioning and operation of a pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming unit at North Campus, Edmonton. The role collaborates with graduate students and international partners to advance waste-to-energy research.

The position emphasizes experimental planning, data analysis, and documentation, with responsibilities spanning procurement, coordination with contractors, and dissemination through conferences and publications.

Qualifications

• This section describes candidate capabilities in pilot-scale experimental work.
• Experience translating lab-scale parameters to pilot-scale operations.
• Ability to plan, execute, analyze data, and troubleshoot experiments.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning and operating a pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming unit based on lab-scale parameters.
• Assist in experimental planning, execution, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare process documentation such as P&IDs, SOPs, and technical manuals.
• Provide technical guidance to graduate students (M.Sc. and PhD) on experiments and theses.
• Coordinate technically with teams and contractors during commissioning and operation.
• Contribute to research proposal development and conference participation (oral and poster).
• Procure laboratory and pilot-scale equipment through institutional purchasing systems.
• Maintain active communication with international collaborators to address design challenges.

Skills

Pilot-scale experiments

Data analysis

Technical guidance

Procurement coordination

Scientific communication

Job description

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

This position supports the execution and advancement of pilot-scale thermochemical reforming research focused on the valorisation of agricultural, forestry, and municipal solid waste into hydrogen-rich syngas. The role operates within the framework of externally funded research projects, institutional safety and operational protocols, and collaborative research partnerships.

Key responsibilities include contributing to the commissioning and operation of a pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming (TCR) unit based on optimal parameters established at the laboratory scale; assisting in experimental planning, execution, data analysis, and troubleshooting; and supporting the preparation of process documentation such as P&IDs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical manuals. This position involves close collaboration with graduate students (M.Sc. and PhD), providing technical guidance on experiments, thesis development, and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The role also includes technical coordination through discussions with various teams and contractors during commissioning and operational phases. Additional responsibilities involve contributing to research proposal development, supporting conference participation through oral and poster presentations, managing procurement of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment through institutional purchasing systems, and maintaining active technical communication with international collaborators to address operational and design challenges.

Through these responsibilities, this position plays a critical role in ensuring the successful commissioning, operation, and scientific output of the pilot-scale facility, thereby strengthening the organization's research capacity, external collaborations, and impact in sustainable waste-to-energy technologies.