Research Associate (2 Year Term) - Materials

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toronto’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering invites applications for a Research Associate (2 Year Term) in Materials, reporting to Professor Karl Peterson and team. This role focuses on cementitious materials, durability, and corrosion within structural materials research.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Civil Engineering with specialization in concrete materials, with at least four years post‑PhD lab experience, and demonstrates leadership, collaboration, and clear

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with specialization in cementitious materials.
• Evidence of post-PhD lab work and independent research.
• Strong publication record preferred.
• Ability to lead R&D projects and supervise students.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a research vision with PIs to meet goals.
• Lead cement and concrete analysis using SEM/EDX, TGA/DTA/DSC, XRD, and calorimetry.
• Train graduate and other researchers in lab safety and methods.
• Support graduate and undergraduate projects tied to cementitious materials.
• Provide technical leadership in experimental design, data interpretation, and reporting.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written comms

Leadership/organization

Research collaboration / HQP training

Lab safety knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with cementitious materials

Tools

SEM/EDX

TGA/DTA/DSC

XRD

Isothermal calorimetry

Optical microscopy

Job description

Research Associate (2 Year Term) - Materials

Date Posted:10/15/2026
Req ID:50555
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Civil and Mineral Engineering
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description

The University of Toronto’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering offers a dynamic compendium of research and academic programs with a mandate that spans a wide range of applications in professional practice, encompassing the built environment and its infrastructure, transportation engineering and planning, structural engineering, environmental engineering, mining and geomechanics. Our department seeks to uphold and strengthen its position as a preeminent leader in education and research, and to continue to develop sustainable solutions for the global community across the spectrum from mineral engineering to urban infrastructure.

The Structural Materials group in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering carries out research in the areas of concrete and other structural materials, durability, sustainability and corrosion. The Research Associate will work directly under the supervision of Professor Karl Peterson, and also conduct research supervised by Professors Daman Panesar, Ibrahim Ogunsanya and Professor Emeritus Doug Hooton.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing a research vision with PIs to achieve research goals
• Leading research activities on cement and concrete samples using SEM/EDX, TGA/DTA/DSC, XRD, isothermal calorimetry, and optical microscopy
• Training graduate students and other researchers on safe laboratory operations, material handling and equipment use (including the analytical methods mentioned in the point above)
• Assisting graduate students, undergraduate students, and other researchers with their experimental testing program related to cement, concrete and other construction materials
• Providing technical leadership in the delivery of specialized research services, including experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and communication of findings to stakeholders
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational protocols
• Writing grant and funding applications
• Preparing manuscripts, patents, technical reports, and reports to sponsors
• Presenting and publishing results at conferences and in journals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with specialization in concrete materials, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Area of specialization must be in cementitious materials
• At least 4 years of post-PhD laboratory experience
• Evidence of research collaboration, teaching and training HQP
• Knowledge of lab safety protocols and ability to provide awareness and adherence of protocols to lab users
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated excellent leadership/organization as a team leader in R&D projects.
• Demonstrated research excellence, preferably with a strong publication record.
• Able to lift 20 kg to chest height

Required Documents

Candidates are requested to submit a comprehensive cover letter that summarizes the research experience of the applicant and a CV.

Note

This is a two year position with possibility of renewal.

Closing Date

10/23/2026,11:59PM ET

Job Details

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): $55,661 - $104,364
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].

Job Segment

Data Analyst, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Research Associate, Research, Data, Engineering