The University of Alberta nanoFAB is a $45M open access, joint Faculty of Science and  Engineering initiative, catering to micro/nano fabrication and characterization needs of a wide variety of research and industrial groups within the field of nanotechnology. Consisting of over 25,000 square feet of specialized laboratory space, greater than 200 tools and over 180 unique monthly users, the nanoFAB is the University of Alberta’s largest core facility specializing in nanotechnology, providing end to end micro/nano scale processing capabilities from design to characterization. Through a Canada Foundation for Innovation grant, the nanoFAB was awarded $8M in additional electron and ion microscopy equipment.  The nanoFAB purchased the first of it’s kind in Canada: 1. transmission electron microscopy (TEM) 2. helium ion microscope (HIM) and 3. field emission scanning electron microscope w/ EBSD (FESEM).

 To facilitate the research & development outcomes of the nanoFAB CFI grant, high level scientific/engineering support is sought. A specific area of research to be covered with this position is the utilization and development of nano scale in situ electron and ion microscopy characterization capabilities with TEM, HIM and FESEM to explore interfacial material boundaries within heterogeneous structures.  The Microscopy Scientist/Engineer will report to the nanoFAB Director as a senior researcher with an established work history and publication record, providing high-level scientific/engineering management and oversight.   

 Under the direction of the nanoFAB Director, responsibilities include:

• Overseeing all scientific and engineering activities of all groups (academic and industrial) accessing nanoFAB characterization resources, while providing engineering and scientific assurance and quality control, focused on micro/nano characterization research and development to enhance and maximize outcomes
• Coordinating potential grant applications for capital equipment purchases, including collecting information from investigators, research groups, partners, while managing timelines and appropriately assigning tasks for completion of grants
• Developing and fostering internal and external collaborative technical relationships with local (academic and companies), regional (ACAMP, nanoCARTS, AMIF), national (NRC, CMC) and international (similar academic facilities) nanotechnology entities interested in collaborative work; working closely with equipment vendors for development of techniques and protocols on the tool set, as part of the CFI collaborative project mandate
• Working collaboratively with a team of characterization technicians, as the primary scientific and engineering research team member, this position will lead efforts in:
  • Defining, developing and implementing research objectives for the nanoFAB, including but not limited to enhancing, advancing and developing new in situ and interfacial characterization techniques, through implementation of robust research design and analysis methodologies
  • Effectively communicating and capitalizing on research outcomes through writing, preparation and submission to peered reviewed papers and presentation at international conferences
  • Providing primary teaching support within CME laboratory courses offered through the nanoFAB (ie. CME 458/9, MatE466 and MatE494)
  • Responsible for determination, specification and coordination of purchasing new characterization equipment and potential upgrades to characterization tools, including working collaboratively with academic and industrial groups to identify current and future direction of research needs
  • Developing, implementing and providing technical seminars on advanced characterization techniques to the wider micro and nano scale research community; this activity is to align with laboratory teaching requirements necessary for courses taught in the nanoFAB

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related subject matter
• At least 5 years post graduate hands on experience and knowledge of electron microscopy characterization techniques including: TEM, SEM and EDX with a strong experimental and theoretical emphasis on electron beam optics
• At least 5 years post graduate knowledge and experience in advanced nano scale imaging and high energy detection methods investigating interfacial heterogeneous material structures
• Strong record of project management and experimental design and analysis
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), strong interpersonal, organization and time management skills within a large and dynamic environment

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has an approximate appointment of 5 years and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at www.hrs.ualberta.ca and annual salary range of $70,042 to $96,334

Application online