Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate – Multi-Anvil High Pressure Synthesis

Department

Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Marcel Franz)

Posting End Date

September 10, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

October 31, 2029

The expected pay range for this position is $7,500 – $9,000/month.

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. ​​​​​​

About the Opportunity
The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (UBC Blusson QMI) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to support the Institute’s efforts in the development and operation of a multi-anvil press facility for the high pressure synthesis of materials exhibiting emergent quantum phenomena. The successful applicant will have completed a PhD in a field related to the research interests of UBC Blusson QMI and have substantive experience in the operation of multi-anvil presses and high-pressure synthesis. As a Research Associate, you will support collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in developing novel quantum materials that exhibit emergent magnetic and electron properties.

About the Institute

UBC Blusson QMI is a world-leading venture into research of quantum systems and phenomena. One of its core areas of strength is research into various condensed matter systems that display emergent electronic phases such as unconventional superconductivity, ferroelectricity, exotic magnetism, and other symmetry breaking orders.

The Quantum Materials Design Lab (QMDL), one of 12 Core Facilities at UBC Blusson QMI, is a state-of-the-art materials synthesis and crystal growth facility that supports quantum material research as well as a wide range of projects across disciplines and both with academia and industry.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

The successful candidate will:

• oversee the management and operation of a state-of-the-art high pressure synthesis laboratory equipped with a 700-ton and a 1500-ton multi-anvil press to achieve high pressure synthesis conditions from 5 to 25 GPa
• manage facility operations and equipment, develop standard operating protocols, plan experiments, coordinate with vendors to procure consumables, oversee regular maintenance and repairs
• mentor a team of students and postdocs
• support multiple research groups that utilize the multi-anvil press in their investigations
• publicize research findings through presentations at international conferences and prepare articles for peer-reviewed journals

UBC Blusson QMI fosters collaboration by engaging strong interdisciplinary teams of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry, and applied science, and establishing active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, University of Tokyo, and many other world leading institutions.

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

• a PhD in an area relevant to the research pursuits of UBC Blusson QMI and the Quantum Materials Design Lab, such as physics, chemistry, or materials science
• significant postdoctoral experience (3+ years) in the field of multi-anvil high pressure synthesis of quantum materials
• experience in the development of new capabilities (e.g. new classes of materials, single crystal growth, modified cell designs)
• experience in the development, management and operation of high pressure synthesis facilities
• complimentary experimental competencies such as crystallography, microstructural characterization, lab-based magnetic and electronic property measurements, and x-ray or neutron spectroscopies
• a competitive record of publications in reputable scientific journals
• demonstrated capacity to pursue independent research aligned with UBC Blusson QMI interests
• experience leading research projects
• experience mentoring students or staff
• demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, highly collaborative environment where resources and expertise are shared

Application Procedure

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge through the discovery of new materials and phenomena, please apply with:

• your academic CV
• a maximum 1-page statement of your research interests
• a maximum 1-page statement discussing your experience and/or vision for overseeing a high-pressure synthesis laboratory addressing motivation and suitability for the role
• contact information for 2-3 professional references

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

For more information about UBC Blusson QMI: www.qmi.ubc.ca

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. 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, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Jasmine Chipman Koty at jasmine.chipmankoty@ubc.ca  

Staff – Union

Job Category

CUPE 2950

Job Profile

CUPE 2950 Salaried – Financial Proc. Spec. 3 (Gr. 4)

Job Title

Purchasing Assistant

Department

Research Services | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4,281.00–$4,386.00 CAD monthly

Posting End Date

September 15, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the posting end date.

Job End Date

March 31, 2028

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 Description Summary

The Purchasing Assistant’s primary responsibility is to understand, organize, and fulfill the various purchasing requirements that arise daily within the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI) in connection with the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) initiative.

Organizational Status

The Purchasing Assistant reports to the Operations Manager and provides support to SBQMI principal investigators and researchers as requested.

Work Performed

Procurement and Purchasing

• Uses Workday daily for procurement and purchasing tasks.
• Uses Workday to verify that speed charts are valid and have sufficient funds.
• Works closely with UBC Supply Management and SBQMI staff and faculty to prepare specifications for purchases requiring requests for proposals (RFPs).
• Works closely with vendors to ensure that quotes meet Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) requirements, when applicable, and comply with UBC, SBQMI, and funding-agency guidelines.
• Works closely with vendors to ensure that quotes are accurate and that shipping and receiving contact information has been entered correctly.
• Orders equipment for members of the department and may also order supplies and consumables.
• Processes purchase-order requisitions for off-campus and on-campus suppliers.
• Ensures that all appropriate supporting documentation is provided for purchases made and received on behalf of SBQMI.
• Maintains detailed records for each purchase.
• Tracks multiple invoices for orders and liaises with finance staff to ensure that invoices are authorized for payment in a timely manner.
• Reconciles departmental purchase cards in accordance with UBC policies and procedures.
• Liaises with finance staff to reconcile accounts and track budgets for various procurement projects.
• Performs other purchasing-related tasks as required.

Logistics

• Manages shipping and receiving activities, including notifying recipients when orders are received and preparing receiving reports.
• Works with couriers, customs brokers, and other interested parties to ensure that items clear customs.
• Requests and schedules the pickup of goods by courier or dispatch.
• Notifies vendors of incorrect shipments and broken or defective goods and obtains authorization for their return or replacement.
• Follows up with vendors to address shortages, damaged or defective goods, shipping delays, and back orders.
• Performs other logistics-related tasks as requested.

Equipment Inventory, Facilities, and Services

• Coordinates internal chargeback systems and prepares paperwork to recover costs.
• Tracks new and existing equipment and maintains records of serial numbers, warranty expiration dates, and warranty returns.
• Produces regular control reports as requested.
• Performs other tasks related to SBQMI equipment inventory and associated facilities and services, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

To retain its standing as a UBC Centre of Excellence, SBQMI must demonstrate its potential to move from internationally excellent to globally exceptional in terms of both academic and translational impact.

Ultimately, errors in judgement that result in an inability to complete research projects in a timely and effective manner could prevent SBQMI from meeting the deliverables required to secure additional funding and/or revenue.

Poor decisions or errors in judgement may also delay experiments or cause them to be postponed or cancelled.

Supervision Received

Works independently in consultation with the Operations Manager and faculty and staff members.

Supervision Given

Not required to supervise.

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives that conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing one’s awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

High school graduation and completion of one year of post-secondary education in a related field, plus three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advanced experience using Workday financial management systems is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement is preferred.
• Training in office procedures and practices would be an asset.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures, as well as experience working with researchers, is preferred.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, faculty, and senior management.
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complicated purchases.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to gather, record, and organize information and to create and maintain records and filing systems.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and strong attention to detail.