Date Posted: 12/05/2025
Req ID:46342
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Description:
The Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab at the University of Toronto, a leading research group addressing major engineering and materials challenges in Canada and internationally through evidence-based research and rigorous field assessment, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate - Term to join a multi-partner, industry-driven research project. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with well-established industrial collaborators and contribute to cutting-edge innovations in advanced polymer and composite materials.
Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals.
- Design, conduct, and analyze experimental research on advanced polymer and composite materials, including formulation, processing, and testing.
- Perform mechanical, thermal, rheological, and electrical characterization of materials using standard laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
- Support scale-up activities and translation of laboratory research to industry-relevant applications.
- Plan and execute experimental programs in collaboration with industrial partners and external research teams.
- Collect, interpret, and document experimental data for internal reports, progress updates, and technical presentations.
- Prepare high-quality manuscripts, technical reports, and disclosure documents for academic and industrial dissemination.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational protocols.
- Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
- Coordinate research activities and timelines across multiple team members and collaborators.
- Contribute to proposal development, milestone planning, and reporting deliverables for sponsored research projects.
- The Research Associate is expected to publish both at conferences and in journals.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong background in polymer science and composite materials.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage research teams, including coordination of personnel, tasks, and deadlines.
- Proven hands-on experience with laboratory-based materials characterization techniques (e.g., mechanical testing, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEM, and electrical conductivity).
- Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results independently.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills, with experience preparing research reports and publications.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team-based research environment.
- Experience with laboratory safety practices and research documentation (SOPs, lab notebooks, data management).
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and work environment.
Assets:
- Prior experience in polymer processing and synthesis (e.g., extrusion, compounding, injection molding, or material formulation).
- In-depth practical knowledge of polymer structure–property relationships.
- Experience working with industry-sponsored research projects or collaborative R&D programs.
- Background in nanocomposites, fibers, functional polymers, or smart materials.
- Evidence of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or technical reports.
- Project coordination or management experience in a research or industrial setting.
Closing Date: 12/15/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Engineering / Technical
