Research Scientist - Electron Microbeam & X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF)

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Scientist to oversee operations in its Electron Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility. The role involves managing three laboratories, supervising users, and performing technical analyses. Candidates should have relevant experience and a commitment to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related experience.
• Demonstrated interest in analytical facilities.
• Ability to prepare specimens for X-ray powder diffraction.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates operation of laboratories.
• Instructs and supervises users.
• Writes and presents technical materials.

Skills

Mineralogy

Crystallography

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level A Job Title Research Scientist - Electron Microbeam & X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF) Department Research | MICROBEAM | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science Compensation Range $5,365.42 - $7,709.92 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date June 29, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Jun 30, 2027

This position is for a fixed term period of 12 months. On-the-job training will be provided to the candidate.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

POSITION FUNCTION:

Plans and coordinates the operations and supervises the users of three research laboratories: electron-probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer and image analysis system, and X-ray powder diffractometer.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

The Electron Microbeam/X-ray Diffraction Facility in Earth & Ocean Sciences is an integration of three laboratories comprising the following instruments for the analysis of minerals and materials: Cameca electron microprobe, Philips XL-30 scanning electron microscope/Bruker Quantax 200 energy-disperision X-ray spectrometer, and a Bruker X-ray powder diffractometer. Two preparation laboratories with a carbon evaporator unit, micronising mill, and other miscellaneous equipment, support these operations. Clients of the facility include researchers from within the department, numerous other departments at The University of British Columbia, several other universities, Federal and Provincial governments, and a large and diverse private sector - both local and international.

Organizational Status

The Facility is managed by a Director assisted by a senior Research Scientist and the incumbent. The incumbent reports directly to the Director and collaborates with the senior Research Scientist on short- and long-term tasks involving the planning and operation of the facility. On a daily basis, the incumbent works closely with clients on training and supervision in laboratory procedures specific to the research goals of the users.

Work Performed

- Plans and coordinates the operation of the three major laboratories and the analytical work of faculty, research associates, post doctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students.

- Instructs and supervises users of the facilities and assisting with providing advice on project planning and how to achieve research goals.

- Writes and presents technical materials for users of instruments/facilities.

- Writes, researches, and conducts experimental analysis for scientific papers and grant submissions

- Assisting with defining and developing project goals.

Organizational Status
The Research Scientist reports to the EMXDF Director and works with them for long-term tasks involving the planning and operation of the facility. On a daily basis, the incumbent works closely with facility users and the senior research scientists.

Work Performed

• Performing independent data collection, analysis and documentation, including preparing technical reports for both academic and industrial users.
• Coordinating and preparing samples for analysis.
• Coordinating and assisting with the operation of the analytical instruments and data collection with facility users
• Writes and presents technical materials for users of instruments/facilities
• Participating in maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment
• Assist with training and teaching activities of the EMXDF lab
• Tracks usage and costs of laboratory services and similar laboratory administrative tasks
• Ensures a clean and safe laboratory environment

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in analyses and/or poor supervision would lead to incorrect interpretation of research results and prevent the attainment of research goals. Such errors would result in the loss of time and resources on behalf of the researchers. Inefficient maintenance of laboratory facilities and instruments would result in downtime that delays research, damage to very expensive instruments, and the inability to recover the cost of operations from user fees.

Supervision Received
Work is reviewed against objectives jointly established with the Director. The incumbent has wide latitude in task scheduling and and decision making.

Supervision Given
Trains and oversees facility users in equipment usage and analysis methods. Trains and supervises part-time research assistants.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.

Minimum of two years experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated interest in the Department s existing analytical facilities including: X-ray diffraction laboratory, scanning electron microscope, and Cameca SX-50 electron microprobe.

Ability to prepare diverse kinds of specimens for collecting high quality X-ray powder diffraction data for quantitative phase analysis.

Expertise in mineralogy and crystallography fundamental to using the Rietveld method and related software for quantitative phase analysis.

Ability to write and present technical materials for users of instruments/facilities, and to write technical reports for commercial clients.

Good communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with all types of users.