Research Engineer

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Scientific Eng., Level A

Job Title

Research Engineer

Department

Research Group | Olson Lab | Department Mechanical Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range

$6,251.00 - $8,986.00 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

April 28, 2026

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2027

 

 

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 Research Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of an experimental program to examine novel cellulose-based materials. The role also focuses on analyzing and interpreting complex data sets using statistical methods, documenting and presenting the findings for research and archival purposes. The Research Engineer also actively oversees the operation of laboratory facilities and contributes to funding applications.  Specifically, the engineering will be designing, manufacturing and testing novel ligno-cellulosic micro fibrillated materials for a wide range of applications. The results of these material studies will contribute to peer-review publications and conference presentations.

Organizational Status
This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. J. Olson. The incumbent will collaborate with other members of the research group, including graduate students, to support the research objectives.

Work Performed

• Design, develop, and implement analytic experimental program for developing of cellulosic materials as part of the Energy Reduction in Mechanical Pulping Project.
• Analyze and interpret results extracted through complex data sets from the experimental results of materials performance testing, using statistical methods.  Methods include: tensile testing, water and oxygen transmission rates, optical properties, chemical properties and microscopic analysis.
• Provide theoretical expertise to graduate students and other researchers, contributing to their technical development and ensuring research continuity
• Oversee the operation of laboratory facilities, including: designing and commissioning experimental equipment; purchasing of equipment and supplies; maintaining scientific equipment; troubleshooting equipment; maintaining safe work environment.
• Prepare archival research documentation, documenting research methodologies and findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Ensure all research activities are accurately documented for future reference and publication.
• Document research activities and regular reporting to supervisor and other team members; Participate and present data with research stakeholders.
• Develop and lead presentations regarding researching findings, presenting analysis at prestigious scholarly conferences, as well as industry and university meetings
• Provide guidance on grant proposals and funding applications based on data results.
• Perform other duties as required to support the research objectives and ensure project success.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises judgment in design and implementation of experimental program, as well as analysis of complex data sets. Responsible for the completion of assigned work or project objectives. Consequence of errors include damage to reputation, delay of project objectives and deliverables, damage to equipment, and/or injury.

Supervision Received
Works independently within task objective. The position requires a high degree of professional skill, organization and motivation to conduct the work in and independent manner. The PI oversees this position for technical guidance when required.

Supervision Given
Provides mentorship, guidance and direction to graduate students in carrying out experiments or implementation of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science. Minimum of one year of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors and PhD in Engineering with experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Demonstrated technical communication skills are required.
• Strong experience and understanding of cellulose materials and chemistry, as well as, strong understanding of related to statistical methods and analysis, material testing, experimental design, research methods, etc.