Research Associate Full-time

Job Info

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

Location – This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

This position supports the execution and advancement of pilot-scale thermochemical reforming research focused on the valorisation of agricultural, forestry, and municipal solid waste into hydrogen-rich syngas. The role operates within the framework of externally funded research projects, institutional safety and operational protocols, and collaborative research partnerships.

Key responsibilities include contributing to the commissioning and operation of a pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming (TCR) unit based on optimal parameters established at the laboratory scale; assisting in experimental planning, execution, data analysis, and troubleshooting; and supporting the preparation of process documentation such as P&IDs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical manuals. This position involves close collaboration with graduate students (M.Sc. and PhD), providing technical guidance on experiments, thesis development, and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The role also includes technical coordination through discussions with various teams and contractors during commissioning and operational phases. Additional responsibilities involve contributing to research proposal development, supporting conference participation through oral and poster presentations, managing procurement of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment through institutional purchasing systems, and maintaining active technical communication with international collaborators to address operational and design challenges.

Through these responsibilities, this position plays a critical role in ensuring the successful commissioning, operation, and scientific output of the pilot-scale facility, thereby strengthening the organization's research capacity, external collaborations, and impact in sustainable waste-to-energy technologies.

Responsibilities

Pilot-Scale System Commissioning and Operation

• Support the commissioning, start-up, and operation of the pilot-scale thermo-catalytic reforming (TCR) unit based on validated laboratory-scale parameters.
• Assist in system troubleshooting, performance optimization, and operational stability during experimental runs.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety standards, operational protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to operational readiness by coordinating testing, validation, and process verification activities.
• Impact: Enables reliable and safe operation of the pilot-scale facility, supporting high-quality experimental outcomes and technology readiness advancement.

Experimental Design, Execution, and Data Analysis

• Develop and support experimental plans for biomass and waste valorisation under thermo-catalytic reforming conditions.
• Conduct experimental runs, monitor process variables, and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Perform data processing, analysis, and interpretation to assess syngas quality, hydrogen yield, and process efficiency.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and datasets in accordance with research governance requirements.
• Impact: Ensures scientifically robust datasets that inform process optimization and support peer-­reviewed research outputs.

Process Documentation and Technical Development

• Prepare and update process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and technical datasheets.
• Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety documentation, and operational manuals.
• Support hazard identification and risk assessment activities related to pilot-scale operation.
• Contribute to continuous technical improvement through documentation of lessons learned and best practices.
• Impact: Strengthens operational safety, knowledge transfer, and long-term usability of the pilot­-scale infrastructure.

Supervision and Training of Graduate Researchers

• Provide help to M.Sc. and Ph.D. students involved in experimental activities.
• Assist students in experimental planning, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Support thesis development, technical writing, and preparation of scientific manuscripts.
• Foster a collaborative and safety-conscious research environment.
• Impact: Enhances research productivity, graduate training quality, and knowledge dissemination within the organization.

Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, and Project Coordination

• Participate in technical meetings with consultants, municipal stakeholders, and contractors during commissioning and operation phases.
• Coordinate with internal research teams to align experimental objectives with project milestones.
• Maintain regular technical communication with international collaborators to address design and operational challenges.
• Support reporting and coordination activities required under funded research frameworks.
• Impact: Strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder alignment, and successful project delivery.

Research Dissemination, Proposal Development, and Procurement Support

• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through conference presentations, posters, and publications.
• Manage procurement of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment through institutional purchasing systems (e.g., Supply-Net).
• Ensure timely acquisition of materials while adhering to budgetary and institutional guidelines.
• Impact: Expands research funding opportunities, enhances institutional visibility, and ensures efficient resource utilization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline, with specialization in biomass pyrolysis, thermochemical conversion, or catalytic processes.

Technical and Specialized Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of biomass pyrolysis, thermo-catalytic reforming, and waste-to­-energy conversion processes at laboratory and pilot scales.
• Experience working on a pilot-scale TCR unit for a minimum of 2 years.
• Strong understanding of operating parameters, including reaction temperature, heating rate, carrier gas flow rate, residence time, and feedstock particle size, and their influence on syngas, bio-oil, and char yields.
• Practical knowledge of pilot-scale reactor systems, process commissioning, steady-state operation, and scale-up considerations.

Analytical and Experimental Skills

• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to thermochemical conversion products, including TAN, GC-MS, TGA, FT-IR, BET, XRD, EDX, and SEM analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex datasets to evaluate reaction kinetics, catalyst performance, product composition, and material properties.
• Strong experimental planning, data validation, and reproducibility skills.

Conceptual and Problem-Solving Abilities

• Ability to integrate chemical engineering fundamentals with mechanical and materials engineering concepts to support interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for identifying and resolving operational and analytical challenges in lab- and pilot-scale systems.
• Capability to define research objectives, scope, and methodology aligned with funded project goals.

Communication, Supervision, and Collaboration Skills

• Strong scientific writing and editing skills, including support for manuscript preparation, thesis review, conference presentations, and responses to peer-review comments.
• Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills for working with internal research teams and external collaborators.
• Experience in preparing technical and industrial reports for funding agencies and project stakeholders associated with thermo-catalytic reforming (TCR) initiatives.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Publications

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $81,719.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About the Team

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences brings together scientific expertise from across disciplines to foster interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching at the University of Alberta. Home to some of the world's most comprehensive research infrastructure and advanced teaching facilities, the college is at the forefront of shaping the future through rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking discovery. The college comprises the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science. Together, these faculties are supported by over 625 faculty members and serve more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, advancing knowledge and driving solutions to complex global challenges.

About University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney),