Research Associate

Job Title Research Associate Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining Job Family Group Academic Department Foster,Johan | Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science (Johan Foster) Job End Date December 31, 2027 Posting End Date November 29, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. The expected salary for the position is $76,128/annum The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus, invites applications for a full time Research Associate. This position is a 1-year appointment, renewable subject to work performance and funding availability. The Research Associate provides senior level scientific leadership through the design, execution, analysis, and dissemination of original research in advanced materials, polymers, bio-based materials, nanomaterials, and environmental technologies. Working across the Foster and Cranston research groups as a senior member, the successful candidate works with a high degree of independence and scientific judgment to lead research projects within priorities established by the Principal Investigators. The role includes developing and implementing experimental methodologies, generating and interpreting research, leading collaborative studies and scientific work packages, publishing scholarly outputs, preparing grant proposals, identifying new research opportunities, managing research resources and laboratory infrastructure, mentoring research personnel, and supporting program growth through external funding. The successful candidate collaborates with students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, academic and industry partners, and external stakeholders, and consults with the Principal Investigators on matters that may significantly affect the laboratory or research program. The role has two integrated and approximately equally weighted areas of responsibility, both centred on advancing original research: 1. Research Execution, Scientific Leadership, and Laboratory Operations – 50% Designs and performs independent and collaborative experimental research; leads research projects from hypothesis development to publication; oversees research methods, data quality, mentorship, and the laboratory systems needed to deliver rigorous scientific outcomes. The duties and responsibilities include: Independently designs, conducts, and leads original experimental research on functional bio-based polymers, cellulose and other nanomaterials, composites, sustainable materials processing, and environmental technologies, as appropriate to active Foster and Cranston laboratory projects. Develops research questions, experimental plans, performance targets, and validation strategies based on critical assessment of scientific literature. Leads material synthesis, processing, testing and characterization; selecting and optimizing analytical techniques, research protocols and experimental methods. Analyzes and interprets experimental data using statistical and computational methods to evaluate reproducibility and uncertainty, identify structure-property-performance relationships, and guide future research. Provides scientific leadership for complex research projects and multidisciplinary collaborations, including study design, technical troubleshooting, milestone delivery, coordination of research activities, and dissemination of findings. Develops, validates, and documents new experimental methods and standard operating procedures; maintains complete, accurate research records and sound data-management and research-integrity practices. Mentors and trains graduate students, undergraduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in experimental design, advanced methods, data interpretation, scientific writing, and responsible research practices. Oversees specialized research instrumentation, laboratory infrastructure, safety, procurement, maintenance, and equipment training…

View the full posting and apply