Research Associate – Quantum Materials Full-time

Research Associate – Quantum Materials

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum science. Blusson QMI believes in the power of collaboration to fuel the search for creative solutions and, in addition to building a strong interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry and applied science, have established active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, University of Tokyo, and many other world leading institutions.

The Research Associate – Quantum Materials is a highly motivated and skilled research scientist who focuses on the discovery and experimental investigation of emergent properties in novel quantum materials that result from the interplay of magnetism, dimensionality, and topology. The primary experimental tools used will be neutron and Raman scattering, complemented by electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and lab-based measurements, together with exploratory synthesis of new compounds. The Research Associate will also contribute to writing and publishing research project results, mentoring students and postdocs, and collaborating with other national and international academic institutions, government, and industry organizations. Other activities include attending conferences and workshops, obtaining and disseminating research results in high-impact publications, as well as writing and submitting grants to fund research activities.

The Research Associate – Quantum Materials reports to the Project Principal Investigators, Meigan Aronson and Steven Dierker, and formally to the Blusson QMI Scientific Director. The incumbent makes decisions regarding planning and implementation of research projects and provides mentoring and coaching to students, postdoctoral fellows, senior staff, and international users.

Research activities

• Carries out measurements of the excitations and emerging order in correlated electron materials using neutron scattering, Raman scattering, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Develops low temperature pressure and strain capabilities for Raman scattering experiments.

• Provides input and collaborates in the development of new quantum materials, and their structural and other characterization.

• Interacts with a team of graduate students and postdocs to develop and investigate new quantum materials, with the aim of discovering new benchmark systems, displaying novel properties such as topological superconductivity, Kondo breakdown, and quantum spin liquid properties. Contributes to the preparation and writing of research proposals and to the preparation of progress reports.

Fostering learning

• Provides scientific advice and mentoring to students, postdoctoral fellows, and other staff.

• Publishes research results in high impact papers.

• Attends relevant conferences and workshops to collect and disseminate knowledge.

Qualifications

• PhD and at least three years Postdoctoral experience in physics, materials science, or chemistry, with a strong background in condensed matter physics.

• Track record of publications on experimental measurement of quantum materials in reputable scientific journals.

• Experience with neutron and Raman scattering techniques, low temperature measurement of magnetic, thermal, and electrical transport measurements, and materials synthesis techniques.

• Experience with high pressure diamond anvil cell, strain cell, and/or electron microscopy measurements is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated capacity to pursue independent research.

• Experience mentoring students and postdocs.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, highly collaborative environment where resources and expertise are shared.

• Strong communication skills.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge through the discovery and exploration of new materials, please apply with your CV, a statement of research interests, and a cover letter.