Job Description

Research Areas

Microfluidics and optofluidics Electrochemical sensing Polymer chemistry and material science AI/ML for process optimization Battery recycling and metallurgical processes
Research Program Overview

These positions are part of a collaborative international research project titled: "AI-driven recycling process optimization for

sustainable circular processing of Li-ion batteries" between York University, NRC in Mississauga, and pH7 Technologies in

Vancouver, as well as multiple collaborators from Germany. It was funded by the Canada - Germany 3+2 collaborative grant.

The project aims to develop rapid and accurate Point-of-Need (PoN) tools for real-time, on-site mineral sample analysis to

enhance mineral processing efficiency and enable AI-guided process control. The research involves:

Developing ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) and porous membrane filters (PMFs) for selective metal ion capture. Creating portable optofluidic and electrochemical sensors for detection and quantification of Li, Ni, Co, and Mn. Integrating sensors with sample preparation systems for field deployment. Feeding real-time data into AI/ML frameworks for process optimization.
This work contributes to sustainable battery recycling and strengthens the critical minerals supply chain.

We invite applications from highly motivated MSc, PhD, and PDF candidates with backgrounds in mechanical or bio engineering,

micro/nano technology, fluid mechanics, or robotics. Join us in shaping the future of sensors and intelligent microsystems.

Base Knowledge Needed: Candidates should have expertise in one or more of the following:

Microfluidic device design and fabrication Electrochemical analysis and sensor development Polymer synthesis and characterization Data acquisition and AI/ML integration Experience with mineral processing or battery recycling is an asset
The PDF/RA applicants require a PhD in science or engineering, with focus on one or multiple of the above research areas.

Students currently in their final year of undergraduate or MSc studies are encouraged to apply for MSc and PhD positions.

Interested candidates are preferred to have a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering but candidates from

other engineering disciplines (like materials, chemical, electrical) and science (like physics and chemistry) will also be

considered. Past laboratory-based research experience or analytical/numerical skills will be considered as assets. Knowledge

of fluid mechanics is highly preferred in this project and candidates should have a good understanding of polymer science and

microsensor technology. Opportunities to learn these topics at the graduate level will be provided to successful applicants.

International MSc and PhD applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements while institutional and departmental

requirements for admission to York U must be met by all candidates.

Starting date and deadline to apply: Positions will remain open until filled and are aimed to start ASAP. The PhD position is for

4 years and the PDF/RA position is for 3 years.

Application Details:

Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada, but priority will be given to Canadian residents. Interested candidates should submit the following documents to:

Doost@yorku.ca.

- A detailed CV highlighting relevant expertise and research experience.

- A cover letter describing your motivation, research interests, and suitability for the position.

- Contact information for at least two academic references.

-Application Deadline: Jan 30, 2026.

We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative research environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person