Description
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Location: UBC Vancouver Campus - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Time type: Full time
Job Title: Research Associate – High-Resolution Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy
Department: Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Marcel Franz)
Posting End Date: May 5, 2026 (Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.)
Job End Date: June 14, 2030
The expected pay range for this position is $7,500 - $9,000/month.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
About the Opportunity
The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to support the Institute’s efforts in the development and operation of high-resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy facilities for studying materials exhibiting emergent quantum phenomena. The successful applicant will have completed a PhD in a field related to the research interests of Blusson QMI and have substantive experience in advanced high resolution electron microscopy and spectroscopy of materials. As a Research Associate, you will support collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in using sophisticated electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to probe the underlying interactions that give rise to emergent properties in quantum materials.
About the Institute
The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is a world-leading venture into research of quantum systems and phenomena. One of its core areas of strength is research into various condensed matter systems that display emergent electronic phases such as unconventional superconductivity, ferroelectricity, exotic magnetism, and other symmetry breaking orders.
The Quantum Materials Electron Microscopy Centre (QMEMC), one of 12 Core Facilities at Blusson QMI, is a state-of-the-art electron microscopy facility that supports quantum material research as well as a wide range of projects across disciplines and both with academia and industry.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
The successful candidate will:
- oversee the management and operation of a state-of-the-art aberration-corrected Nion HERMES 200 scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) optimized for both atomic level imaging and high energy and momentum resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS)
- manage facility operations and equipment, plan bookings and experiments, coordinate service and repair visits with vendors
- mentor a team of students and postdocs
- support multiple research groups that utilize the electron microscopy/spectroscopy facilities in their investigations
- coordinate and interpret measurements
- publicize research findings through presentations at international conferences and prepare articles for peer-reviewed journals
- contribute to writing funding proposals that will add new capabilities to the QMEMC.
Blusson QMI fosters collaboration by engaging strong interdisciplinary teams of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry, and applied science, and establishing active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, University of Tokyo, and many other world leading institutions.
The successful candidate will thrive in our collegial and collaborative culture and will bring the following qualifications to the role:
- a PhD in an area relevant to the research pursuits of Blusson QMI and the QMEMC, such as physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, or applied physics,
- completed postdoctoral experience in the field of scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy of materials,
-experience in the operation, optimization, and application of ultrahigh energy resolution monochromated electron spectroscopy, including data analysis and interpretation,
- experience in the development of new optical modes of operation (e.g. momentum resolved EELS or ultra-high momentum resolution),
- experience in the development, management and operation of electron microscopy and spectroscopy facilities,
- a competitive record of publications in reputable scientific journals,
- demonstrated capacity to pursue independent research aligned with Blusson QMI interests,
- experience leading research projects,
- experience mentoring students or staff,
- demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, highly collaborative environment where resources and expertise are shared.
Application Procedure
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge through the discovery of new materials and phenomena, please apply with:
a) your academic CV
b) a maximum 1-page max statement of research interests
c) a maximum 1-page statement discussing your experience and/or vision for managing an electron microscopy user facility and working with a wide range of users
d) a maximum 1-page cover letter addressing motivation and suitability for the role, and
e) contact information for 2-3 professional references
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, and pension plan.
For more information about Blusson QMI: www.qmi.ubc.ca
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. 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, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.
In order to be considered as a candidate, all application materials must be submitted here. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.
If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Jasmine Chipman Koty at jasmine.chipmankoty@ubc.ca.
