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UBC Vancouver Campus - Vancouver, BC, Canada, Canada
Onsite
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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
August 31, 2029
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Job Summary
The pay range for this position is between $6,438.50 and $9,255.58 CAD monthly.
The Electron Microscopy Laboratory, hosted in the Department of Materials Engineering within the Faculty of Applied Science, is a core advanced characterization facility supporting researchers across UBC, Canadian academic institutions, and industrial partners. As part of the Characterization @ UBC research excellence cluster, the Laboratory provides access to specialized microscopy, spectroscopy, and sample preparation capabilities that enable high-quality analysis of materials across areas such as energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and materials for net zero.
The Research Scientist will support the Laboratory’s expanding surface and near-surface characterization activities, with primary responsibility for the operation and application of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Nexsa G2 X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer. The role will contribute to experimental design, analytical method development, instrument operation and maintenance, user training, data analysis, and collaborative project delivery. Working independently within defined project objectives and in consultation with Laboratory leadership, the incumbent will help academic and industry users develop appropriate characterization approaches, interpret results, and integrate XPS with related microscopy and microanalysis workflows.
Organizational Status
The Research Scientist reports to Dr. Ben Britton and works as part of the Electron Microscopy Laboratory team within the Department of Materials Engineering. The role works collaboratively with faculty members, research staff, technicians, students, visiting researchers, external academic users, industry partners, and members of the Characterization @ UBC research cluster.
Work Performed
Consequence of Error / Judgment
The Research Scientist exercises independent professional and technical judgment in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of XPS experiments. Errors in experimental design, instrument setup, spectral interpretation, elemental quantification, or chemical state assignment may result in inaccurate or misleading results for academic and industry partners. Poor judgment in data interpretation, failure to identify artefacts, or inadequate communication of uncertainty and limitations may compromise project outcomes, affect research conclusions, delay deliverables, or damage the reputation of the Laboratory. Errors in instrument operation, calibration, maintenance, sample handling, or safety procedures may result in equipment damage, costly downtime, loss of fee-for-service revenue, disruption to the user community, or safety risks.
Supervision Received
The Research Scientist works independently within defined project objectives, Laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and facility priorities. Technical guidance and direction are available from Dr. Ben Britton and other Laboratory leadership as required. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment in planning and completing assigned work, while consulting with Laboratory leadership on complex scientific, operational, financial, or strategic matters.
Supervision Given
The role does not have formal ongoing management responsibility for staff, but provides technical guidance, training, work direction, and functional supervision to students, research trainees, visiting researchers, facility users, and technical personnel involved in XPS-related activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. Minimum of one year of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications