Research Associate – Photo-Activated Materials & Optical Sensors Full-time NEW

Research Associate – Photo-Activated Materials & Optical Sensors

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our team, focusing on the intersection of advanced material science and optoelectronic engineering. The successful candidate will lead the development of next-generation sensors, moving from the synthesis of novel semiconductor materials to the design and testing of functional optical gas sensor prototypes.

Review of applications will begin on April 6, 2026, and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Start Date: April 8, 2026 — depending on successful applicant. Location: UBC Vancouver campus. Duration: 1 year, renewable for a second year based on work performance and funding availability. FTE and Work hours: Full time 100% FTE, 40 hours per week. Salary: $76,128 per year.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the experimental synthesis of semiconductor materials, focusing on photo-activated materials tailored for sensing applications. Perform structural and chemical analysis of materials using tools such as XRD, SEM, and XPS.
• Conduct experimental studies on the development and application of optical emitters (LEDs/Lasers) and detectors (Photodiodes) for sensing applications.
• Design, develop, and assemble UV-activated and optical gas sensor prototypes.
• Establish protocols to evaluate sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and stability in controlled gas environments.

Others:

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Carries out other related duties as required and contributes to special projects as needed.

Technical Skills & Core Expertise:

• Proficiency in experimental synthesis techniques (e.g., sol-gel, hydrothermal, or CVD) for photo-activated semiconductor solid solutions.
• Hands-on experience with optical components, including light source integration (UV/Visible), detector alignment, and signal modulation.
• Expertise in material characterization (XRD, SEM, EDX, UV-Vis spectroscopy) and electronic testing (Source Measure Units).
• Skills in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data acquisition, alongside familiarity with optical simulation or CAD software.

Required Qualifications:

Educational Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Optics and Photonics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant postdoctoral research fellow experience.
• Candidates with directly relevant experience in UV-activated sensor or optical sensor development are strongly preferred.

Professional Attributes:

• Proven ability to bridge the gap between fundamental material research and functional device prototyping.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting skills within a laboratory environment.
• Excellent technical communication skills for documenting research and presenting findings.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following documents in a single PDF and apply through the Workday system https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs

1. Curriculum Vitae (max 5 pages)

2. Cover Letter (1 page)

3. Description of Current Research (1 page)

4. Contact information for two academic references (referees will be contacted only if shortlisted)

Inquiries about the position may be directed to fariborz.taghipour@ubc.ca

Equity Statement:

UBC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. We acknowledge that the UBC Point Grey (Vancouver) campus sits on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation.