Staff Scientist (Inorganic Lab)

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a Staff Scientist to lead AI-driven research in materials science. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry and 5-10 years of experience in R&D, particularly in self-driving labs. Responsibilities include developing new research programs, designing automated systems, and collaborating with industry partners. This is a great opportunity to impact significant societal challenges such as climate change and pollution.

Qualifications

• Five to 10 years of experience in research and development.
• Significant experience in self-driving labs for chemistry.
• Strong experience in AI and automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop research programs for materials discovery.
• Design instruments for automated material synthesis.
• Collaborate with Product Managers for research outcomes.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work ability

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Job description

Overview

The Acceleration Consortium (AC) at the University of Toronto (U of T) is leading a transformative shift in scientific discovery that will accelerate technology development and commercialization.

AC Staff Scientists will advance the field of AI-driven autonomous discovery and develop the materials and molecules required to address society’s largest challenges, such as climate change, water pollution, and future pandemics.

Responsibilities

The Staff Scientist within SDL1: Inorganic will work with a diverse team of leading experts at U of T, including Professors David Sinton, Jason Hattrick-Simpers, Yu Zou, and more.

• Develop research programs leveraging AC’s SDLs to discover materials and molecules.
• Design and implement novel instruments for automated material synthesis and characterization.
• Build custom hardware and Python software packages for SDLs.
• Manage research and development projects for industry partners and AC labs.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to ensure research outcomes meet partner requirements.
• Promote AC’s research capacity: delivering presentations at conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer review, and steward them through the process.
• Support consulting services related to application of SDLs for materials discovery for AC partners.

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Chemistry

Experience

• Five (5) to 10 years of experience in research and development, including significant experience in self-driving labs for chemistry and materials science.
• Experience in self-driving workflows for electrocatalysis and oxygen-evolution reaction.
• Experience managing major research projects in AI and automation, including hardware integration and high‑throughput experimentation.
• Strong experience and expert knowledge of AI and automation.
• Experience working with industry partners on industry‑led R&D projects.
• Strong experience presenting research at academic conferences.
• Demonstrated record of academic and/or research excellence.

Skills

• Strong and effective communicator in oral and written English.
• Collegial in working with team members and collaborators.
• Ability to work independently.

Other

• Must have a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated success in writing and preparing manuscripts, presentations, reports, briefs, and scientific abstracts for peer‑review journals.

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.

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

Closing Date

01/30/2026, 11:59PM ET

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

Benefits website

Please refer to our website for some general information about benefits.