Research Associate in Advanced Materials and Polymer Science at the University of British Columbia – Canada

Summary

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is recruiting a full-time Research Associate in Advanced Materials and Polymer Science for a 1-year renewable appointment starting January 1, 2027. Working across the Foster and Cranston research groups, the successful candidate will lead original experimental research on functional bio-based polymers, nanomaterials, and environmental technologies. Responsibilities include scientific leadership, grant proposal development, managing laboratory operations, and mentoring trainees. Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, alongside demonstrated experience in experimental research, data analysis, scientific writing, and project management. Applications close on November 29, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Position Type	Research Associate
Discipline	Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering
Research Area	Advanced materials, polymers, bio-based materials, nanomaterials and environmental technologies
Degree Required	PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or an equivalent qualification
Experience	Record of original research contributions, peer-reviewed publications, and significant hands-on experience designing, conducting, analysing and troubleshooting experimental research.
Salary	CAD $76,128 per year
Funding	CAD $76,128 annual salary
Contract Duration	1 year, renewable subject to work performance and funding availability
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-29
Required Documents	Curriculum vitae, Concise statements of research interests, Names and contact information of three references
Employer Address	UBC Vancouver Campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Employer Contact	Dr. Johan Foster, Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The research focuses on advanced materials, bio-based polymers, cellulose, nanomaterials, composites, sustainable materials processing, and environmental technologies. The appointee will independently design, execute, and analyze original experimental work to understand structure-property-performance relationships and advance sustainable materials science.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, conduct, and lead original experimental research on functional bio-based polymers, nanomaterials, composites, and environmental technologies.
• Develop research questions, experimental plans, targets, and validation strategies from literature assessment.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical and computational methods to evaluate reproducibility and establish structure-property-performance relationships.
• Maintain accurate research records, document experimental methods, and manage research data integrity.
• Mentor and train graduate students, undergraduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff.
• Oversee specialized research instruments, laboratory infrastructure, safety, procurement, and equipment maintenance.
• Lead the preparation of grant and sponsored research proposals, including research design, budgets, timelines, and feasibility assessments.
• Publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, present research at conferences, and build collaborations with academic, government, and industry stakeholders.

Required Skills

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a relevant field.
• Proven record of original research contributions and peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Hands-on experience in designing, conducting, analyzing, and troubleshooting experimental research.
• Demonstrated experience developing and validating experimental methods for materials preparation, characterization, or processing.
• Strong scientific and technical writing skills for manuscripts, reports, and research proposals.
• Experience mentoring or training students and research staff.
• Strong organizational, project-management, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and English communication skills.

Who Should Apply

Qualified researchers holding a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, who possess a strong publication record and hands-on experimental research experience in advanced materials.

Benefits

• Expected annual salary of CAD $76,128.
• Eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

About the Employer

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada's leading research universities. Located at the Point Grey campus in Vancouver, its Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering advances civil and sustainable society through outstanding research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is November 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

What is the expected annual salary?

The expected annual salary is CAD $76,128.

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or an equivalent relevant discipline.

What is the duration of the appointment?

The position is a 1-year appointment, renewable subject to work performance and funding availability.

What documents are required to apply?

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, concise statements of research interests, and the names and contact information of three references.