Research Associate

at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Listed on EduAtlas: live school vacancies from schools’ own careers pages and public job services. Apply on ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com. 12 similar posts in Canada.

Salary

Not given in the advert

Closing date

Open until filled

Start

Not given in the advert

Type of post

Research

First seen

31 October 2026, on a public job listing

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The advert

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 to support reliable and efficient complex research operations.

2. Research Program Development, Grants, and Scientific Dissemination – 50%

Develops research questions and new scientific directions; leads the scientific preparation of competitive research proposals; establishes multidisciplinary research collaborations; authors publications and technical reports; and communicates findings to academic, government, and industry audiences. The duties and responsibilities include:

• Identifies emerging research opportunities and develops innovative research concepts, and funding initiatives aligned with the group’s strategic priorities and expertise.

• Leads the development of grant and sponsored research proposals, including research design, methodology, feasibility assessment, budgets, timelines, risk management, and integration of contributions from collaborators.

• Works with the Principal Investigators and collaborators to develop coherent multi-year research programs, define research objective and work packages, foster collaborations with academic, government, community, and industry stakeholders.

• Generates and synthesizes preliminary data, proof-of-concept results, figures, technical analyses, and scientific justifications that strengthen grant applications and support funding decisions.

• Leads and contributes to scholarly publications, peer-reviewed manuscripts and technical reports.

• Presents and disseminates research outcomes through presentations, conferences, seminars, and meetings with industry and research stakeholders.

• Contributes to research reporting, grant renewals, project evaluation, knowledge mobilization, intellectual property assessments, and future research and infrastructure planning.

• Performs other related duties consistent with a senior, research-active Research Associate appointment.

Supervision Received

The Research Associate works under the general direction of the Principal Investigators.

The Research Associate provides scientific and functional supervision, and guidance to trainees regarding research methods and project execution but does not replace the formal academic supervisory responsibilities of faculty members. They may supervise research personnel and may provide input to the Principal Investigator regarding recruitment, work assignments, training needs, research performance, and allocation of laboratory resources.

About University of British Columbia

Type

University

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