Job Description

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