Research Associate in Nanomaterials and Plant Interactions - Ghoshal Lab

McGill University; Montreal; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

McGill University’s Ghoshal Lab in Civil Engineering seeks a Research Associate to advance understanding of nanomaterials and their translocation in plant tissues after foliar application. You will contribute to journal articles and prepare project presentations, working 35 hours/week on a full‑time schedule from November 2026 to January 2027.

The role requires a PhD with at least five years of research experience and expertise in advanced mass spectrometry, X-ray analyses, Raman spectroscopy,

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science or engineering or related discipline; at least 5 years of research experience.
• Experience in advanced mass spectrometry, X-ray analyses and Raman spectroscopy; background in (nano)materials characterization and nanofertilizer synthesis/application to crops; postdoctoral work and peer‑reviewed publications are assets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments on foliar nanofertilizers in model crops and commercial equivalents; prepare journal articles.
• Analyze data from X-ray absorption analyses of nanofertilizers in plants; prepare publications.
• Prepare reports, presentations and proposals related to research projects.
• Assist with nano/micro-scale imaging and chemical speciation analyses using TOF-SIMS, Raman spectroscopy and XPS.
• Train students in nanoparticle analyses and analytical techniques.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

X-ray analysis

Raman spectroscopy

Nanomaterials characterization

Nanofertilizer synthesis

Education

PhD in environmental science or engineering

Tools

TOF-SIMS

XPS

Job description

Position Summary:

The Research Associate position will be working in the Ghoshal Lab in the Department of Civil Engineering and involves research on characterization of nanomaterials and their translocation and transformation in plant tissues following foliar application. The efficacy of nanomaterials over industry-relevant current treatments will be assessed by the candidate. A significant emphasis will be on preparing and finalizing journal articles related to this research and preparing presentations for research project meetings.

Specific tasks for the position will include:

• Conducting laboratory experiments to asses impacts of foliar application nanofertilizers on model crop plants and their commercial equivalents and prepare journal articles.
• Analyzing data on X-ray absorption analyses of nanofertilizers in plants and prepare journal articles.
• Preparing reports, presentations and proposals related to these research projects.
• Analyzing samples for nano/micro-scale imaging and chemical speciation relevant to the Ghoshal lab’s research, such as through using:
  • Time-of-flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• Training students on nanoparticle analyses and on use of analytical techniques such as above.

Qualifications:

• PhD in environmental science or engineering, or a related discipline. Must have at least five (5) years of research experience.
• Must be experienced in advanced mass spectrometry, X-ray analyses and Raman spectroscopy techniques and have research experience with (nano)materials characterization and on nanofertilizer synthesis and application to crop plants. Postdoctoral experience and record of authorship of peer reviewed publications will be considered an asset.

Posting Dates: November 9-13, 2026

Appointment dates: November 16, 2026 - January 15, 2027

Supervisor: Prof. Ghoshal

Work Schedule: Full Time, M-F, 10 am – 5 pm ,35 hours/wk

Rate: Step 1 Research Associate - $35.37 per hour

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary: $35.37

Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)

Location: Macdonald Eng. Bldg.

Supervisor: Professor

Position Start Date: 2026-11-16

Position End Date: 2027-01-15

Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-13

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 strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].