Careers

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute at UBC (Blusson QMI) is a world-leading venture advancing research into solid state systems and phenomena that explicitly involve quantum mechanics. Among its core areas of expertise are the development of materials hosting novel quantum electronic states, and measurement of nanoscale electronic and photonic structures built from these materials, whose device characteristics display remarkable new paradigms of operation.

Blusson QMI has invested heavily in acquiring and building state-of-the-art cryogenic, electronic, and spectroscopic equipment, including a cryogenic system from ColdEdge Technologies, a Bruker FT-IR spectrometer, mid infrared lasers, silicon photonic probe stations, and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors.

The Cryogenic and Photonic Technician is responsible for the operation and maintenance of various custom-integrated measurement tools, including but not limited to these newly acquired tools, with the aim of delivering state of the art cryo-photonic spectroscopy measurement capabilities to research groups at Blusson QMI.

To this end, the post holder, who should already have experience in low temperature electronics, optics, and cryogenic systems, will be responsible for the assembly, maintenance, and operation of laboratory equipment. The individual is expected to work independently, with a proactive and creative spirit and in close collaboration with colleagues, in order to deliver what is required of the role.

The post holder also has a duty to ensure that all tasks conducted within Blusson QMI labs are performed in a safe manner that conforms to current legislation and workplace protocols.

Project details:

Silicon Quantum Leap (SiQL) aims to develop the first practical, universal quantum computer. Quantum computers will be able to solve problems that remain intractable today with even the largest conventional supercomputers, and launch a new epoch of information processing technology that transcends the technical revolutions of the last half-century (computers, mobile smart phones, the Internet, etc.). SiQL is poised to vault ahead of other quantum information technology efforts because it offers the most compelling solutions to the remaining hard challenges.

Our novel strategy is to couple stationary spin qubits together with silicon photonic circuits. The spin qubits in silicon and the silicon photonic circuits can both be readily integrated with ordinary silicon electronic circuits and quickly scaled up by leveraging the same equipment and techniques that semiconductor manufacturers have refined to mass produce silicon circuits.

Organizational Status

The Cryogenic and Photonic Technician reports to Jeff Young and Lukas Chrostowski, the Principal Investigators in charge of the SiQL project.  The post holder will work independently and pro-actively, and will be often required to collaborate closely with researchers.

Work Performed

The Cryogenic and Photonic Technician will be responsible for building, maintaining and operating apparatus that includes the ColdEdge Stinger Cryogenic System, Bruker Vertex-80 FT-IR spectroscopy system, a home-built tunable mid-infrared laser, and several custom probe stations. The technician will maintain all the equipment and be fluent in how each component functions and integrates with the others.  They will also contribute to documentation of operation procedures and reports in relation to the equipment.

The following items reflect the most important tasks associated with the post. The list is not complete and may change as the role evolves with time. The technician:

• Follows the direction of the principal investigator in the building, setup and operation of test equipment.
• Works on a number of different projects, that includes internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitors the performance of equipment to ensure that these equipment remain accurate and perform to specifications.
• Offers time, skills and expertise to other Blusson QMI labs and projects, as instructed by the principal investigator, and performs other tasks relevant to the job tasks, as required. Interacts with researchers and research partners, including discussing new projects, reporting on results, and coordinating work.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a technical college or institute and a minimum two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Be familiar with the underlying principles of lasers, optical spectroscopies, interface electronics and cryogenic systems.
• Computer skills, including CAD-related software
• Experience in a research and/or research & development setting
• Proven working knowledge and hands-on experience in prototyping and machining of test apparatus
• Proven awareness of safe work practices
• Lab instrumentation/equipment fault finding and fault diagnosis skills
• Demonstrated team work qualities

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven working knowledge of photonic test techniques, including but not limited to: tunable laser transmission measurements of photonic integrated circuits

Please apply at: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs

· Job Posting number: JR6323

· Application deadline: July 4, 2022 at 11:59pm

This is a term appointment, with an expected end date of March 31, 2024.

UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, professional development and pension.

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 BC 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.

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is seeking PhD-level scientific research staff to support activity in the fabrication and characterization of 2D van der Waals materials, as well as in coordinating and maintaining a state-of-the-art 2D materials laboratory. This multi-year position as a Research Associate will play a leadership role in Blusson QMI’s recently launched Grand Challenge program investigating Engineering Exotic Phases in Two Dimensions. The role will support Blusson QMI’s interest in a spectrum of 2D materials including graphene, BSCCO flakes, and transition metal dichalcogenides. In addition to training students and postdoctoral researchers and helping them conduct research in these directions, this role will further coordinate the research activities within the wider Grand Challenge team.

The Research Associate will conduct and oversee equipment building and maintenance of the laboratory, as well as coordinate with other institute members on creating specialized equipment for transporting samples between the 2D fabrication facility and our diverse experimental apparatus, including a state-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscopy lab and an angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy lab. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating research within the Grand Challenge program and collaborating with other national and international academic institutions, government, and industry organizations.  The Research Associate will work with principal investigators, technical staff, international partners, students, and other trainees, and, besides the previous focus points, also participate in the creation of scientific knowledge and writing of academic papers.

Blusson QMI is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum materials. We believe 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 engineering, have established strong and active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, and many other world leading institutions.

The successful candidate will thrive in our collegial culture and will bring the following qualifications:

• Fundamental knowledge and expertise of 2D van der Waals materials;
• Experience with design and building of 2D material stacking facility;
• Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics or other area relevant to the research pursuits of Blusson QMI;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a research, or research and development, environment;
• Publications in reputable scientific journals;
• Experience mentoring students or staff;
• Capacity to pursue independent research;
• Ability to manage large research programs.

Please apply at: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs

· Job Posting number: JR4959

· Application deadline: November 28, 2021 at 11:59pm

This is a term appointment, with an expected end date of August 31, 2024.

UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, professional development and pension.

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 BC 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.

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in computational condensed matter physics and/or quantum information science to investigate classical and quantum algorithms for simulating quantum many-body systems including correlated electron materials and non-equilibrium dynamics AMO settings.

In addition to supporting fundamental scientific inquiry related, the role will provide theory support for an experiment/theory collaboration between QMI PI Prof. Andrew Potter and Prof. Shyam Shankar (UT Austin) to implement holographic simulations of materials on superconducting devices using quantum tensor network representations. The postdoctoral researcher would also have opportunities to collaborate with industry quantum computing partners.

The ideal candidate would have experience in one or more of the following areas:

– matrix-product state or tensor-network methods

– simulation of open-quantum dynamics in AMO systems or superconducting qubits

– developing near-term quantum algorithms (e.g. variational methods)

– other computational quantum many-body methods (quantum Monte-Carlo, exact diagonalization, DMFT, etc…)

– analytic methods in many-body field theory

Applications may be submitted on AJO.org through this link:

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/19482

and should include a CV (please include a link to a current Google scholar profile page), brief (2-4 page) statement of research experience and interests, and 3 letters of recommendation. Applications received prior to December 15, 2021 will receive full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled.

The initial appointment will be for two years with possibility of extension. Starting dates are flexible but should commence by Fall 2022.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical and dental coverage.

The Blusson QMI is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum materials. We believe 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 engineering, have established strong and active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, and many other world leading institutions.

For more information about SBQMI: www.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.

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at the University of British Columbia is seeking a PhD-level scientific researcher with expertise and a broad vision on atomic scale modeling and simulation of materials. This Sr. Scientist position will strengthen the Institute’s capacity in computational materials physics, form a close link with experiments and ultimately aid the design of novel functional materials and devices.

The successful candidate will bring experience in modern computational techniques for exploring the structure and dynamics of complex materials. They will contribute deep expertise in high-performance computing, proficiency in atomistic modeling with ab-initio and/or classical methods, and statistical techniques for non-equilibrium phenomena.  Moreover, they will support the development and deployment of new algorithms such as quantum/classical couplings or other hybrid simulation techniques. Topical focus areas include growth of quantum materials, morphology and defects at interfaces, 1D and 2D materials, nanoscale transport phenomena, supramolecular materials and self-assembly. The Sr. Scientist will support SBQMI’s team of multi-disciplinary Principal Investigators in their research and will also develop an independent research program, contribute to writing and publishing articles in top-tier journals, and mentor Blusson QMI students and postdocs who wish to develop advanced numerical skills.

Blusson QMI is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum materials. We believe 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 engineering, have established strong partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, and many other world leading institutions.

The successful candidate will thrive in our collegial culture and will bring the following qualifications to the role:

• PhD in Physics or a related discipline, specializing in computational materials physics
• Experience with some atomistic simulation techniques such as ab-initio/density functional theory, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo methods, advanced sampling techniques.
• Several years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience
• Strong publication record in the field
• Ability to pursue an independent research program aligned with SBQMI interests
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Experience with mentoring students is strongly desired

To Apply: https://hr.ubc.ca/careers-and-job-postings/faculty-careers

Posting number: JR7664

Application closing date: June 5, 2022 at 11:59pm

Your application should include your CV, a statement of research interests, and a covering letter.

Please also arrange for 3 confidential recommendation letters to be emailed directly to the Blusson QMI Human Resources Manager at csjob@qmi.ubc.ca .

Anticipated start date: August 15, 2022

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, and pension.

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.

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at UBC is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena explicitly involving the understanding and exploitation of quantum mechanics. It is internationally recognized for its research and discoveries in quantum structures, quantum materials, and applications toward quantum devices. Blusson QMI has been awarded the largest research grant-funded award ever received at UBC, a $66.5 million institutional investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), coupled with additional $69+ million in Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) equipment funding awarded to date. The injection of funding has rapidly expanded the scope and scale of Blusson QMI’s research and operations to over 220 faculty, staff and students and solidified Blusson QMI’s reputation as a top-ranked international quantum research institute.

The Communications Manager drives Blusson QMI communications objectives by leading development and implementation of creative communication and public relations strategies and employing the use of multiple media channels to build local, national, and international awareness of Blusson QMI, its research capabilities, commercialization activities, and wide range of world-class student programs. The goal of the Communications Manager is to build the international reputation of the Institute in order to attract and engage collaborators and partners from academia and industry and to attract the top students from around the world.

The Communications Manager develops the strategy and implements a wide variety of projects designed to create positive awareness of Blusson QMI’s work globally while providing advice and vision to Executive Committee on how best to continue to build Blusson QMI’s external community engagement, reputation, brand, and vision.

The Communications Manager is also responsible for leading development of a range of creative materials and programs for internal communication of Blusson QMI’s activities and programs, and for supporting the preparation and writing of reports, multimedia, and materials for distribution to partners, prospective partners, donors and students.

Organizational Status

The Communications Manager reports to the Managing Director and works closely with the Scientific Director, Large Grants and Awards Officer, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, and Blusson QMI staff leading a broad range of internal and external communications activities.

Work Performed

• Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy to achieve objectives of Blusson QMI. Regularly reviews and iterates communications efforts to ensure strong alignment with the Institute’s strategic direction, areas of scientific focus, equity and inclusion goals, and to meet evolving needs of Blusson QMI’s various audiences.
• Designs and implements comprehensive, integrated multi-media communications plans and projects including social media, web, and print environments.
• Develops the strategic approach, key messages, and plans for collaborative communications with external local, national, and international academic institutes, universities, associations and government agencies to further the strategic objectives of Blusson QMI. Formulates messaging, content, and stories in a manner that reflects the audience and addresses their needs.
• Creates and manages internal communication plans to support the research, training, and operations activities of Blusson QMI, and to promote understanding and coordination between individuals and groups.
• Oversees print and digital communications including annual reports, media releases, research stories and announcements, video, advertising/branding/marketing materials, and publications.
• Develops and designs graphical communication and marketing material. Liaises with graphic designers as needed.
• Ensures that Blusson QMI’s online strategy and digital communications reflect leading technology and best communications practices to effectively represent the Institute.
• Maintains and develops brand and style guides and templates for print material and web content, that are consistent with UBC Brand and style guidelines, including branding, style and navigation rules, page layouts, equity principles and accessibility requirements. Supports staff and consultants to follow brand and style guides.

Communications Activities

• Works with the Scientific Director, Managing Director, and other members of the Executive Committee to prepare and write reports to communicate progress, achievements and programs both internally and to various funding agencies and other constituents, including the annual report. Presents information in a professional manner that will engage the respective audiences.
• Works with the Managing Director, and with the Executive Committee, to develop and implement communications programs that improve the reach and strengthen the reputation of Blusson QMI; works to understand the external audiences, the key messages that must be communicated, and the objectives of these messages.
• Works with Managing Director to support internal and external events, including dignitary and special events and visits.
• Prepares promotional activities connected to student recruitment and engagement, including advertising scholarships, awards, student programs, and events.
• Collaborates with UBC Brand & Marketing and Media Relations, as well as communicators in relevant partner departments and Faculties to ensure they are aware of Blusson QMI’s achievements and assist in finding opportunities to present the work of Blusson QMI to government, academic, and public audiences. Supports donor-related development opportunities.
• Identifies publicity opportunities; researches and prepares news stories to highlight Blusson QMI’s innovative research, events, special visitors, member achievements and activities to the campus community and local and international media.
• Prepares and disseminates information about Blusson QMI workshops, conferences or visitor events; prepares and writes reports on the events and posts them on the Blusson QMI website.
• Works to develop and facilitate internal communications, including the implementation of up-to-date team communications approaches (e.g. newsletters, Slack) to improve productivity and awareness.
• Works in partnership with Large Grants and Awards Officer on drafting/editing grant proposals and related documents.

Media Tools and Techniques

• Ensures Blusson QMI is communicating consistently using the most appropriate and audience-relevant tools and techniques, both inside and outside the organization.
• Leads Blusson QMI’s social media strategy to maximize the impact of the Institute’s work nationally and internationally. Provides analysis to determine the need for new web-based or mobile self-service applications.
• Develops and revises standardized branding and communications tools and templates for use in internal and external communications that reflect Blusson QMI’s vision, goals, and culture, coordinating with external resources and expertise when necessary. Aligns with UBC’s visual identity and brand and style guides. Creates recommendations, including approach, timing and budgets.
• Maintains familiarity with the full range of social, web-based, and print media avenues most used by Blusson QMI’s key audiences and decides how best to build a wide awareness of Blusson QMI amongst these audiences; selects the optimal media for dissemination of information about Blusson QMI, adapting the media to the audience.
• Coordinates production of new and existing publications and promotional materials; ensures that these publications and materials are prepared in a timely manner, regularly updated and meet continued needs; identifies and evaluates distribution methods (e.g. Annual Report).
• Develops and supports specialized communications activities for student recruitment and outreach with print and electronic media.
• Designs and oversees integrated marketing campaigns in both digital and traditional media environments promoting Blusson QMI’s services and training opportunities.
• Responsible for both execution and oversight of the Institute website’s ongoing development and upgrades; consults with the various members and staff to ensure the website meets their needs; leads the frequent and timely updating of organizational information on the website.
• Develops and maintains a Blusson QMI library of photos, videos, and audio files to consistently refresh Blusson QMI’s image. On occasion, personally captures photos and video in support of the Institute’s communications efforts.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local, international, and national media outlets to raise the profile of Blusson QMI; pitches story ideas; arranges media interviews and monitors all media coverage. Responds to media inquiries and refers media to Directors, experts or other sources of information and provides factual background information.
• Oversees the hiring and work of contracted contributing journalists or media experts where necessary.

Analytics and Evaluation

• Tracks all communications analytics internally and externally and analyzes these data to understand gaps in Blusson QMI’s engagement with its key audiences; adapts and adjusts communications strategies as necessary.
• Develops and maintains database of relevant contacts.
• Gathers data on Blusson QMI’s communications-related performance metrics, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date. Participates as a team member in internal and external reporting activities. Performs ongoing analyses and monitoring to ensure alignment with objectives.

Consequence of Error/Judgment

This position has responsibility for meeting the communications reporting requirements of CFREF (our primary granting agency), and has significant influence and impact on, building the reputation of Blusson QMI as a world-leading centre of quantum research locally, nationally, and internationally. The image of Blusson QMI created and portrayed by the incumbent will play a key role in its ability to attract the top-tier faculty and students, which is required to be successful in conducting the ground-breaking research that will guarantee Blusson QMI a place amongst the world’s leading quantum materials research centres. Such a position will, in turn, directly affect Blusson QMI’s ability to consistently attract the high levels of funding it requires to lead the transfer of fundamental research to commercial applications.

The role requires the ability to think strategically and analytically with regard to defining metrics to track progress, as well as acting to bring plans to fruition. Makes independent decisions regarding content and editorial tasks, and provides advice on the implementation of reporting, and communications strategies and programs.

The incumbent must exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy. Errors and oversights could damage Blusson QMI’s international reputation and global position among research institutions. The incumbent works collaboratively with partner departments, Faculties, universities and institutions to craft communications strategies.

Supervision Received

The position reports to the Managing Director, Blusson QMI. The incumbent performs all duties independently with work subject to periodic review and consultation with the Managing Director and/or other executive management to determine that the quality and quantity of work performed meets established program objectives.

Supervision Given

Supervises contract employees and contributing journalists. Leads communications projects, often by bringing together and supervising the Blusson QMI staff who are required to contribute to implementation of the projects. May supervise student staff. Regularly provides communications feedback and direction to all various members of Blusson QMI team. Collaborates with communications functions of partner institutions and within UBC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduate degree preferred, in communications, media or public relations, or related discipline. Minimum of six years experience in a communications role or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Training and experience using tools and techniques for data gathering and analysis, social media tools (i.e. Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and techniques, and web-based marketing and communications techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Superior writing skills, including developing compelling storytelling for digital mediums. Graphic design, photography, and videography skills or experience an asset.
• Prior experience working with Principal Investigators and/or working in a scientific research environment are strongly preferred.
• Experience translating complex science into plain language for the general public an asset.
• Creative thinker with the ability to conceptualize and provide strategic communications advice and plans. A problem solver.
• Resourcefulness and flexibility to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative. Able to prioritize, organize, and manage time while completing a wide range of tasks with limited supervision.
• Ability to effectively engage diverse audiences and to apply decolonial and equity-promoting approaches to strategic communications efforts.
• Able to exercise a high degree of judgment and discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and interests, and managing sensitive issues. Experience working in a complex private or public sector organization, with international partners.
• Engaging and open conversationalist. Highly developed ability to connect with people. Collaborative team player.
• Knowledge of UBC departments and groups that can provide services and support in implementing the marketing and communication strategy an asset.
• Ability to advise senior faculty, management, students, or external partners on areas of expertise.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills required. Ability to write and speak in English is crucial.
• Experience with Microsoft Office software, including OneDrive; familiarity with website development and maintenance software (e.g. WordPress, Drupal) and team communications/collaboration software (e.g. Asana, Slack, MS Teams).