Research Associate (limited Term)

University Of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Associate to join a dynamic team focused on advancing lithium-ion battery technology. This role involves synthesizing and characterizing Ni-based cathode materials, enhancing their stability and performance. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Materials Science, with a strong background in nanomaterials and electrochemical testing. You will work collaboratively within a supportive research environment, contributing to innovative projects and mentoring students. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in battery research while working at a leading academic institution.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with extensive research experience in nanomaterials synthesis.
• Over 5 years of expertise in cathode fabrication and characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthesis of Ni-based cathode materials for batteries.
• Conduct structural characterization and evaluate material properties.

Skills

Nanomaterials synthesis

Electrochemical testing

Structural characterization

Analytical skills

Scientific writing

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Tools

XRD

SEM

TGA/DSC

FTIR

Raman spectroscopy

HPLC

Job description

Date Posted: 02/20/2025
Req ID: 41730
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Physical & Environmental Sci
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Description:

Your Opportunity:

Prof. Oleksandr Voznyy, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applicants for the position of Research Associate (Limited Term) to conduct research on Ni-based cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.

This opportunity for a Research Associate (Limited Term) is a 1-year appointment at 90% FTE. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2025.

Job Duties:

This position focuses on industrially relevant NMC cathodes and seeks to improve them for long-term stability under high-voltage operation. The candidate will:

1. Design and execute the synthesis of Ni-based cathode materials using various techniques, including hydrothermal, sol-gel, co-precipitation, microwave, ball milling and others.
2. Develop and refine synthesis techniques for quaternary metal oxides and their nanocomposites, to achieve tailored particle size, phase purity, composition gradient, core-shell structures, and enhanced electrochemical properties.
3. Conduct advanced structural characterization using XRD, Neutron Diffraction, and Rietveld Refinement techniques to elucidate phase purity, crystallite size, and lattice strain.
4. Evaluate material properties using TGA/DSC, SEM/EDX, HRTEM, UV/Vis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy.
5. Perform electrochemical testing and analysis of cathode materials, contributing to the development of cobalt-free lithium-ion battery technologies.
6. Collaborate with team members to develop detailed research plans, write proposals, and manage laboratory instruments.
7. Prepare high-quality research reports, publications, and presentations for dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
8. Mentor and assist in training graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research techniques.

At all times, the individual is expected to support the overall research and teaching missions of Prof. Voznyy’s research group.

Qualifications (Minimum Qualifications):

1. Candidate must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field, with extensive academic research experience in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials and inorganic metal oxides.
2. Over 5 years of expertise in nanomaterials synthesis, cathode fabrication, and synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal, sol-gel, co-precipitation, microwave, solid-state synthesis, and Schlenk line techniques.
3. Practical experience in Li-ion battery research and development, focusing on cathode material synthesis, surface coatings, and characterization, with a solid understanding of battery operation, ion transport mechanisms, and cathode-electrolyte interactions.
4. Experience in the fabrication and characterization of semiconductor-based devices, such as sensors and photocatalytic systems, including expertise in deposition techniques (e.g., sputtering, photocatalytic membranes).
5. Proficient in a wide range of materials characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, TGA/DSC, FTIR, UV-Vis, GC-MS, and HPLC.
6. Skilled in structural analysis and refinement techniques, such as Rietveld refinement, with hands-on experience in XRD and neutron diffraction.
7. Proven ability to work collaboratively in team environments and independently on research projects, with mentoring experience for undergraduate and graduate students.
8. Strong scientific writing and communication skills, supported by a robust publication record in international journals (at least 10 research papers).
9. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
10. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently on research projects.

Travel:

Limited travelling will be required. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to present research at academic conferences.

Notes:

This is a 90% FTE 1-year appointment, with the possibility of extension, depending on approval of supervisor based on performance and funding.

Prorated hours of work: 32.625 hours per week

All individuals interested in this position must arrange for the following items to be submitted:

1. Cover letter, arguing for one’s suitability for the project and highlighting relevant experience in battery research.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. List of publications.
4. Contact details for two (2) references.

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $52,574 - $98,576 annually. Pro-rated annual salary at 90% FTE $47,317 - $88,719

Hiring Zone: $57,800 - $60,000 annually

Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Oleksandr Voznyy at [e-mail]

All qualified candidates are encouraged; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement:

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous /Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

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 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.

Closing Date: Open until filled
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $52,574 - $98,576
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching