Research Associate

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Position Summary:

The Biomimetic Surface Engineering Lab led by Prof. Anne Kietzig in the Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Research Associate who will oversee several ongoing research projects, including academic and industry projects, related to laser micromachining, wetting, materials science and materials engineering.
 

Responsibilities include:

• Acquisition and integration of a new laser scan head into our existing micromachining platform (as part of an NSERC Alliance project with Hydro Quebec).
• Development of micromachining process to laser-treat woven substrates of various material types (as part of my NSERC Discovery and the NSERC Alliance project with Hydro Quebec)
• Research and development of laser cutting strategy for eyelets on microtubes for sensor application in liquid media (as part of NSERC Alliance with OpSens)
• Responsible for tuning and calibrating various equipment (ultrafast lasers, microscopes, etc.). This includes regular maintenance and troubleshooting when mistakes happen or when it comes to adjusting optics in beam paths or reconfiguring the existing experimental setup and machining code for a new project.
• Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of our goniometer, drop impact apparatus and ice adhesion setups.
• Lab specific laser safety training,
• Shadowing new students‘ activities in the lab and introducing them to position-velocity-time coding sample positioning platform, custom image analysis codes and Arduino codes, teaching optics and photonics basics to junior users to ensure a thorough comprehension of the lasers’ features and the system’s safe operation by reviewing and approving complex machining algorithms for new experiments or junior group members.
• Overseeing industry projects, including coordination of reports and presentations by trainees, preparing own presentations and reports. 
• Participation in grant writing, especially further developing existing relationship with IPL Inc. and GF in targeting a Horizon Europe application.

Qualifications:

The candidate must have a PhD in the fields of materials science, engineering, physics or related areas. The candidate must have > 5 years expertise in wetting science and laser material processing as demonstrated by several peer-reviewed journal publications. The candidate must have experience with high-speed photography and surface characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, profilometry, goniometry, etc. The candidate must have advanced skills in programming code in Matlab and Python. Experience in multi-axis computer controlled machining and 3D printing and modelling is an asset. The candidate must have demonstrated experience managing large industry projects, including industry report writing and presentations to industry.

Technical skills:

• Ultrafast laser machining (stationary beam (as opposed to galvo scanning) micromachining processing methods)
• Surface characterization (SEM, AFM, laser-scanning confocal, goniometry, UV-Vis, etc)
• Drop impact analysis
• 3D modelling (Fusion 360) and rapid prototyping
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) skills for machining of metal parts, and the transfer of 3D models to application
• Coding (Python, Arduino IDE, and Matlab [with a focus on image processing])
• High speed photography, along with knowledge of lenses, lighting, apertures, etc.
• Knowledge of the field of drop impacts, especially concerning oblique impacts on advanced surfaces
• Modelling (COMSOL Multiphysics)
• Contact angle goniometery, and a strong background in surface science and liquid/solid interactions
• Knowledge of lens optics and theory, along with light polarization
• Familiarity with Swagelok tube systems and vacuum systems
• Knowledge and experience with polymer injection molding processes and techniques
• Industrial report writing
• Graduate student supervision
• Project management

Other qualifying skills:

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #2 on a scale of 0-4.”

Hourly Salary:

$31.20

Hours per Week:

40 (Full time)

Location:

Wong Building

Supervisor:

Professor

Position Start Date:

2024-05-16

Position End Date:

2025-05-15

Deadline to Apply:

2024-05-06

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] .