The Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering is receiving applications for the position of Research Associate.

This part-time Research Associate position will involve innovative research on state-of-the-art fuel cell technology. The fuel cells developed in this research will be used for carbon capture and reducing CO₂ in the environment. 

The Research Associate will have multiple duties as follows:

• Carrying out research on ceramic fuel cells under the supervision of Professors Tom Etsell and Jingli Luo
• ­Fabricating novel high performing planar and tubular ceramic fuel cells and testing them under different conditions including fuel composition, fuel flow rate, temperature and anode catalyst
• ­Designing experiments and collecting the related data for further analysis and reporting to the project sponsors
• ­Determining and, if needed, modifying the research directions in consultation with the project supervisors
• ­Writing technical reports and scientific publications
• ­Presenting the research outcomes and challenges at research group, project sponsor meetings and international conferences
• Responsible for project and time management
• ­Collaborating with other research groups within and outside Canada
• ­Assisting in the supervision of undergraduate to PhD level students in the lab and monitoring health and safety regulations
• Maintaining communication with project sponsors and other industrial partners
• ­Assisting in writing research proposals for further funding 

The potential applicant should have a PhD in Materials Engineering or Ceramic Engineering and be well skilled in the following areas: formation of advanced ceramics (slip casting, hot and cold isostatic pressing, extrusion, tape casting and screen printing), dip coating, spray coating, electrophoretic deposition, microstructural engineering and infiltration of porous ceramics with nano-particles.  Characterization techniques including: XRD, XRF, ICP, DTA/TGA, DSC, dilatometry, BET, particle size and zeta potential analysis, viscosity measurements, in-situ high temperature XRD, thin-film XRD, SEM, TEM, mechanical properties, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Experience with fuel cell electrochemical performance testing especially dc discharge curves, ac impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry is also required.

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has an approximate appointment of one year and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at www.hrs.ualberta.ca and annual salary range of $55,035 to $61,919, salary will be pro-rated.