Research Associate (1 Year Term) - Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 53,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research university is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate for its Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab. The role involves developing and executing research with industrial partners, conducting experimental research on advanced materials, and mentoring students. A PhD in a relevant field and strong background in polymer science are required. The position offers a salary range of $53,520 to $100,350, with tenure options tied to funding.

Benefits

Strong research partnerships

Commitment to diversity and equity

Opportunities for publication

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Strong background in polymer science and composite materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage research teams and timelines.
• Proven hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute research vision with PI.
• Design, conduct, and analyze experimental research.
• Characterize materials using standard laboratory techniques.
• Support scale-up activities for industry applications.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts and technical reports.

Skills

Polymer science

Composite materials

Laboratory techniques

Technical writing

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related discipline

Tools

Rheology

SEM

DSC

TGA

Job description

Research Associate (1 Year Term) – Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab

Date Posted: 12/05/2025
Req ID:46342
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab at the University of Toronto, a leading research group addressing major engineering and materials challenges in Canada and internationally through evidence‑based research and rigorous field assessment, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate - Term to join a multi‑partner, industry‑driven research project. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with well‑established industrial collaborators and contribute to cutting‑edge innovations in advanced polymer and composite materials.

Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals.
• Design, conduct, and analyze experimental research on advanced polymer and composite materials, including formulation, processing, and testing.
• Perform mechanical, thermal, rheological, and electrical characterization of materials using standard laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Support scale‑up activities and translation of laboratory research to industry‑relevant applications.
• Plan and execute experimental programs in collaboration with industrial partners and external research teams.
• Collect, interpret, and document experimental data for internal reports, progress updates, and technical presentations.
• Prepare high‑quality manuscripts, technical reports, and disclosure documents for academic and industrial dissemination.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational protocols.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
• Coordinate research activities and timelines across multiple team members and collaborators.
• Contribute to proposal development, milestone planning, and reporting deliverables for sponsored research projects.
• The Research Associate is expected to publish both at conferences and in journals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in polymer science and composite materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage research teams, including coordination of personnel, tasks, and deadlines.
• Proven hands‑on experience with laboratory‑based materials characterization techniques (e.g., mechanical testing, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEM, and electrical conductivity).
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results independently.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with experience preparing research reports and publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team‑based research environment.
• Experience with laboratory safety practices and research documentation (SOPs, lab notebooks, data management).
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and work environment.

Assets:

• Prior experience in polymer processing and synthesis (e.g., extrusion, compounding, injection molding, or material formulation).
• In‑depth practical knowledge of polymer structure–property relationships.
• Experience working with industry‑sponsored research projects or collaborative R&D programs.
• Background in nanocomposites, fibers, functional polymers, or smart materials.
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or technical reports.
• Project coordination or management experience in a research or industrial setting.

Closing Date:12/15/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Personnel Subarea: Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 – Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 – $100,350
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].