Research Associate

McGill University; Prince Edward Island; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to conduct advanced research on energy storage materials at the Light Metals Research Lab. The successful candidate will engage in alloy design and synthesis, utilizing techniques such as TEM and XRD. Applicants should hold a PhD in Materials Engineering with extensive research experience and strong academic writing skills. This part-time position offers an hourly rate of $33.96.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on research experience in materials engineering.
• Expertise in advanced characterization techniques for nanoscale structural analysis.
• Strong academic writing skills and experience in peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and leads research protocols related to alloy design and synthesis.
• Plans and leads the development of experimental workflows.
• Prepares detailed technical reports and disseminates findings.

Skills

Advanced characterization techniques

Thermodynamic modeling

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

PhD in Materials Engineering or related field

Tools

FactSage

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

Job description

Research Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of Professor Mihriban Pekguleryuz, we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our team at the Light Metals Research Lab in the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering. The successful candidate will conduct and lead research focused on the development of energy storage materials, including alloy preparation, casting, and advanced characterization techniques, as part of the FRQNT Team program in collaboration with McGill and UQATR.

Responsibilities

• Conducts and leads research and protocols related to alloy design and synthesis, including formulation and assessment of novel alloy compositions and preparation of experimental melts/samples.
• Establishes the design and development of research methods for alloy refinement and casting, overseeing controlled laboratory procedures to ensure reproducibility and metallurgical integrity.
• Plans and leads the development of experimental workflows involving permanent-mould casting, inert-environment sample preparation, and advanced characterization techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
• Develops and implements thermodynamic modeling methods using tools such as FactSage to simulate phase equilibria and predict transformations in complex alloy systems.
• Leads the analysis and interpretation of microstructural and crystallographic data, contributing to the understanding of material behavior.
• Prepares detailed technical reports and disseminates findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Writes scientific journal papers (theoretical or experimental) related to alloy development, materials characterization, and thermodynamic modeling.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a focus on alloy development, physical metallurgy, or energy materials.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on research experience in materials engineering, including experimental design, alloy synthesis, and advanced characterization techniques.
• Expertise in advanced characterization techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for nanoscale structural analysis and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
• Proficiency in thermodynamic modeling and thermodynamic simulations using FactSage software.
• Strong academic writing skills, with experience preparing scientific reports and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, especially in managing multiple experimental workflows and data sets.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Hiring Unit: Department of Mining and Materials Engineering

Number of Positions: 1

Supervisor: Professor Mihriban Pekguleryuz

Total Hours Per Week: 17 (part time)

Hourly Salary: $33.96

Location: McGill Downtown Campus

Language: Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university; the English level required is described in the original posting as level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

Immigration Stipulation: This offer is conditional upon obtaining the appropriate work authorization as applicable (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Immigration Quebec, HRSDC).

Hours per Week (alternate format): 17 (Part time) Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Position Start Date: 2025-09-08

Position End Date: 2026-04-30

Deadline to Apply: 2025-09-21

Notes: 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 committed to equity and diversity. Applications from qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged, and accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by contacting [e-mail].