Careers

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI) is a world-renowned academic research facility within the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. The Institute is undergoing a period of rapid expansion as a recipient of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), which will allow it to achieve the primary goals of:

• broadening the scope of fundamental research, increasing the pace, efficiency and impact of research activities, and transitioning from fundamental research to applications and devices that can be commercialized
• fostering learning and providing students with the knowledge and skills to launch careers in academia and industry.

To achieve these goals, SBQMI must provide operational and technical support to a research team of professors and students, technical specialists, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and staff as they design and execute multiple large, complex, and long-running scientific experiments. The CNC Machinist & Infrastructure Support Technician position is split with approximately 80% of the time allocated to the machine shop, and the remaining 20% of the time on infrastructure support.

The CNC Machinist & Infrastructure Support Technician reports to the Machine Shop Supervisor for matters relating to the Machine Shop, and to the Operations Manager for matters related to infrastructure support. This position interacts with professors, researchers, and graduate students within SBQMI who rely on the Machine Shop and technical support for their research.

Work Performed

The position requires the ability to competently operate, service and maintain shop equipment and tools, and the ability to produce shop-built devices that improve or augment the operation of existing equipment. The position involves carrying out complex and precision tasks that require comprehensive technical knowledge, skills and capabilities in the design and development of custom equipment and providing consultative services with respect to feasibility and/or alternatives.

MACHINE SHOP

• Machines and fabricates parts for research projects, working with ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramics, wood, plastics, and composites (approximately 80% of the time will be spent in this activity).
• Carries out complex tasks that require precision, comprehensive technical knowledge, skills and capabilities in the fabrication of custom parts.
• Prepares technical and non-technical drawings or detailed sketches.
• Contributes to design work.
• Operates all machine shop equipment (including lathe, milling, drilling, and sawing equipment) to fabricate complex components.
• Precision machining on various CNC machines.
• Tracks inventory and records the required tools, equipment, parts and materials for ordering and stocking.
• Participates in regular training to update own skills on new tools and equipment, and expands own knowledge of existing tools and equipment.
• Ensures that the Machine Shop is kept clean and orderly, maintaining high standards of housekeeping with parts and equipment stored in a systematic manner that is easy to care for and easy to find.
• Other projects/duties, as directed

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

• Jobs may include installing infrastructure related to laboratory chilled water supply systems, repair or installation of vacuum equipment, dispensing and maintaining SBQMI’s liquid helium supply, including repairs when required as well as diagnosing faults.
• May help with other infrastructure-related repairs as needed.

RESEARCH SUPPORT

• Works closely with Principal Investigators, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, other technicians and students, to understand their requirements with regard to machining parts or providing infrastructure support and ensure that needs are met
• Participates in troubleshooting and problem-solving discussions; proactively seeks solutions to researcher issues/needs;
• Anticipates needs to ensure that materials and supplies required for machining duties or infrastructure support are available to minimize delays in research activities.

TIME MANAGEMENT

• Balances the needs and priorities of the research groups, and manages time accordingly
• Ensures that the Shop Supervisor and Operations Manager are aware of any resource needs and scheduling issues.

SAFETY

• Ensures that all users of, and visitors to, the facilities are aware of safety standards and protocols and that they maintain these standards at all times
• Follows safety protocols and regulations and ensures that they are written and well communicated.
• Conducts cryogen safety orientation and regular, ongoing training with all users.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a technical college or institute, or completion of a recognized apprenticeship.
• Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of demonstrated experience with CNC Milling & Lathe work, including machine setup and CAM programming.
• Good CNC skills are required.
• Experience in working with liquid helium or vacuum equipment would be an asset.
• Knowledge of Master cam software would be an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Knowledge of WHMIS, WCB and safety policies.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

To Apply

Job Posting number: JR882

Application deadline: February 19, 2021 at 11:59pm
This is a one-year term position, with the possibility of further extension.

Compensation Range: $5,218 – $5,977 monthly
UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended health, dental, life insurance, professional development funding 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 at UBC is seeking PhD-level scientific research staff to support activity in the investigation of thermal transport phenomena. Relevant effects include the transfer of phonons, photons, and electrons, and particular emphasis is placed on exploiting low-dimensionality and quantum confinement in nanostructures. This multi-year position as a Research Associate will play a leadership role in SBQMI’s recently launched Grand Challenge investigating Disorder as a Design Principle of New Functional Materials. The role will therefore not only support SBQMI’s interest in studying energy transfer but also connect to a range of experimental techniques suited to the growth of the relevant materials, such as molecular beam epitaxy and pulsed laser deposition, while also coordinating activities within the wider Grand Challenge team. The successful candidate will work with the Principal Investigators and other researchers to exploit existing characterization systems based on vacuum, optics, and electronic instrumentation, as well as further develop the capabilities of this infrastructure and new experimental techniques.

The successful candidate will conduct research projects that extend SBQMI’s expertise in the study of thermal transport phenomena; contribute to writing and publishing articles in top-tier journals; train and mentor SBQMI students; act as coordinator for material synthesis and characterization efforts, and collaborate with other national and international academic institutions, and government and industry organizations.

SBQMI is a world-leading venture into the 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 have the following qualifications:

• Fundamental knowledge of mesoscopic and nanoscale thermal transport phenomena;
• Experience with advanced thermal and optical characterization systems;
• Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics or other areas relevant to the research pursuits of SBQMI;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in 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.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge and create world-changing devices, submit an application by October 30, 2020.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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

The Grand Challenge project is also recruiting for Postdoctoral Researcher positions. For more information about these positions and about the Grand Challenge, see:

https://qmi.ubc.ca/disorder-and-entropy-design-principles

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. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

Position ID: UBC-Department of Physics and Astronomy-ASSISTANT PROFESSOR [#16894, 55782]

Position Title: Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics

Position Type: Tenured/Tenure-track faculty

Subject Area: Physics

Appl Deadline: 2020/11/15 11:59PM

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver invites applications from outstanding candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the field of Condensed Matter Physics. We encourage applications from candidates across both theory and experiment, with an emphasis on quantum materials and quantum devices. The successful candidate will join UBC’s Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute and create an independent research program, which complements the existing strengths of the institute. SBQMI has strong experimental and theoretical groups working in the area of quantum matter and is committed to attracting and training outstanding students and conducting forefront research that spans the field. Details can be found on the Institute website (qmi.ubc.ca), and information on the Department of Physics and Astronomy can be found at phas.ubc.ca. Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in a relevant field, an outstanding research record, and the potential for excellence in teaching. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent, internationally recognized research program, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervise graduate students, and provide service within the Department, to the University, and to the broader community.

A CV, publications list, a statement of research interests, and a summary of teaching interests and experience are required. Candidates should arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted using Academic Jobs Online.

Review of applications will start Nov. 15, 2020, and will continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is Summer 2021, but is negotiable.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at the link below to complete your application:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement
• Three or More Reference Letters (to be submitted at the link below by the reference writers at this site)

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

http://www.phas.ubc.ca/
Derek Gagnier <hr@phas.ubc.ca>
(604) 822-4210

325-6224 Agricultural Road
Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z1

UBC’s strategic plan identifies inclusion as one of our key priorities. We welcome colleagues with the experiences and competencies that can contribute to our principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity throughout campus life. In your application, please include a statement describing your experience working with a diverse student body as well as your past, present and/or future contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion on campus or within your discipline.

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 (QMI) at the University of British Columbia is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral candidates with expertise in the following areas: materials growth, experimentation, devices and applications, computational modelling, or theory to join its multidisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and engineers.

Internationally recognized for its research and discoveries in quantum materials, quantum information, and quantum devices, QMI has set its research trajectory on 3 Grand Challenges:

• Disorder and Entropy as Design Principles of New Functional Materials
• Pushing the Boundaries Of NISQ-Era Quantum Computing with Focus on Quantum Materials
• Engineering Exotic Phases in 2-Dimensional Materials

While conducting research in one or more of these core programs, successful candidates will collaborate with such world-leading institutions as the Canadian Light Source, TRIUMF, the Max Planck Society, and the University of Tokyo; write and publish articles in top-tier journals; train and mentor students and other researchers; and contribute to the translation of promising applications to industry.

Interested applicants can find information about the Grand Challenges at https://qmi.ubc.ca/grand-challenges and should contact principal investigators aligned with their interests to discuss potential projects. Candidates must have obtained, or be close to completing, their doctoral degree, and be able to demonstrate a solid scientific background—as evidenced by publication record, letters of recommendation, and research proposal. Evidence of teamwork, strong communication skills, and the ability to supervise students will also be considered.

To apply, please provide:

• Brief cover letter, including the QMI researcher(s) with whom you have discussed projects;
• Names of those who will provide recommendations;
• Curriculum Vitae, including full publication list;
• 1 – 2 page research proposal;
• 3 letters of recommendation (to be sent directly by your referees).

Candidates: submit your application below.

Referees: please email letters of recommendation to jobs@qmi.ubc.ca

Application deadline: All materials (including reference letters) must be received by October 30, 2020, to ensure full consideration. Interviews with applicants who best meet our criteria will be held via Zoom soon after.

We thank all applicants for their interest.

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 (QMI) at the University of British Columbia is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral candidates. The applicant who accepts this post will join our multidisciplinary team working to develop a portable biosensor built from state-of-the-art silicon photonics technology. The multiplexed architecture of our biosensor will allow simultaneous detection of different biomarkers.

Job Description

The position is for a post-doctoral researcher who will work closely with the principal investigators of the biosensing project and the photonic integration project. The successful applicant may be involved in investigating the use of electrowetting on dielectric digital microfluidics for the sensor platform. The successful applicant may also be involved in designing assays, running experiments, microfabrication, prototyping, building instrumentation, data analysis, communicating with the team, training students, and writing manuscripts and grant applications.

This multidisciplinary team consists of Principal Investigators Prof. Karen Cheung, Prof. Lukas Chrostowski, and Prof Sudip Shekhar. Prof Cheung brings microfluidics and biomedical device expertise and oversees microfluidic delivery and assay development. Prof. Chrostowski brings lasers and silicon photonics expertise and oversees photonic device design and laser integration. Prof. Shekhar brings electronics expertise, and oversees the readout, detection, and signal processing electronics.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. (granted in the last 5 years) in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related discipline. Strong written and oral English communication skills are required. Experience working in teams is strongly desired. Experience with digital microfluidics, evanescent field sensors (silicon photonics or surface plasmon sensors), immunoassay development, and/or point-of-care microdevice design and operation is an asset. The applicant should be a self-driven leader and highly motivated researcher with an established track record as demonstrated through journal publications and top tier conference papers and presentations.

Experience desired:

• Fluent with Python, Matlab, and/or similar programming languages
• Experience with Photonic Integrated Circuit design software such as KLayout or similar programs.
• Experience with the Ansys Lumerical Design Suite or similar simulation software.
• Experience in designing digital microfluidic systems
• Experience with immunoassay development
• Experience performing opto-electrical testing for biosensor applications
• Knowledge of programming software drivers to control hardware.

Minimum Requirements:

• Doctorate degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
• Graduating thesis in the field of silicon photonics, biomedical engineering, digital microfluidics, or a relevant topic.

Salary: CAD$55,000 per year plus mandatory employment-related benefits. The position is available immediately.

To apply, please provide the following: a one-page letter of intent which includes a statement of your research interest, a detailed curriculum vitae, a PDF copy or a link to one of your recent and related peer-reviewed publications, and the names of three references.

Complete application packages should be directed to:

Professor Karen Cheung
Email: kcheung@ece.ubc.ca
Subject Line: Postdoctoral Fellow, Photonic Biosensing

HOW TO APPLY?

Applicants should send enquiries by email and refer to reference number PDFO-54651.

Desired start date: 15 Feb 2021
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time

Application deadline: 31 Jan 2021

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.