Research Associate

University-of-Albert; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a candidate for a one-year, in-person appointment at North Campus, Edmonton, to advance pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming research turning waste into hydrogen-rich syngas. The role collaborates with graduate students and external partners to push experimental work and impact in sustainable waste-to-energy technologies.

Responsibilities include commissioning and operating the pilot unit, planning and analyzing experiments, documenting procedures, and

Responsibilities

• Commission and operate a pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming (TCR) unit based on laboratory-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, theses, and manuscripts.

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.