Job Description

Academic
Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining
Job Title Research Associate - Quantum Materials
Department Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Marcel Franz)
Posting End Date February 15, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date February 15, 2028
The expected pay for this position is $6,850/month. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, and pension.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum science. Blusson QMI believes in the power of collaboration to fuel the search for creative solutions and, in addition to building a strong interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry and applied science, have established active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, University of Tokyo, and many other world leading institutions.
The Research Associate - Quantum Materials is a highly motivated and skilled research scientist who focuses on the discovery and experimental investigation of emergent properties in novel quantum materials that result from the interplay of magnetism, dimensionality, and topology. The primary experimental tools used will be neutron and Raman scattering, complemented by electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and lab-based measurements, together with exploratory synthesis of new compounds. The Research Associate will also contribute to writing and publishing research project results, mentoring students and postdocs, and collaborating with other national and international academic institutions, government, and industry organizations. Other activities include attending conferences and workshops, obtaining and disseminating research results in high-impact publications, as well as writing and submitting grants to fund research activities.
Organizational Status
The Research Associate - Quantum Materials reports to the Project Principal Investigators, Meigan Aronson and Steven Dierker, and formally to the Blusson QMI Scientific Director. The incumbent makes decisions regarding planning and implementation of research projects and provides mentoring and coaching to students, postdoctoral fellows, senior staff, and international users.
Work Performed
Research activities

• Carries out measurements of the excitations and emerging order in correlated electron materials using neutron scattering, Raman scattering, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Develops low temperature pressure and strain capabilities for Raman scattering experiments.

• Provides input and collaborates in the development of new quantum materials, and their structural and other characterization.

• Interacts with a team of graduate students and postdocs to develop and investigate new quantum materials, with the aim of discovering new benchmark systems, displaying novel properties such as topological superconductivity, Kondo breakdown, and quantum spin liquid properties. Contributes to the preparation and writing of research proposals and to the preparation of progress reports.

Fostering learning

• Provides scientific advice and mentoring to students, postdoctoral fellows, and other staff.

• Publishes research results in high impact papers.

• Attends relevant conferences and workshops to collect and disseminate knowledge.

Supervision Received
Works independently, in consultation with the Principal Investigators and other faculty members. Is called upon to use unique and highly advanced technical knowledge to resolve complex scientific and technical problems that have not been previously encountered and do not have established methods, principles or guidelines to follow for resolution - develops these as necessary and documents the process.
Supervision Given
Works together with the Principal Investigators, and is called upon to use unique and advanced technical knowledge to resolve or aid in the resolution of complex scientific and technical problems with students and postdocs.
Qualifications

• PhD and at least three years Postdoctoral experience in physics, materials science, or chemistry, with a strong background in condensed matter physics.

• Track record of publications on experimental measurement of quantum materials in reputable scientific journals.

• Experience with neutron and Raman scattering techniques, low temperature measurement of magnetic, thermal, and electrical transport measurements, and materials synthesis techniques.

• Experience with high pressure diamond anvil cell, strain cell, and/or electron microscopy measurements is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated capacity to pursue independent research.

• Experience mentoring students and postdocs.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, highly collaborative environment where resources and expertise are shared.

• Strong communication skills.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge through the discovery and exploration of new materials, please apply with your CV, a statement of research interests, and a cover letter.
For more information about Blusson QMI: qmi.ubc.ca
For more information about Vancouver: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Skills Required