Electron Microscopist, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Updated: 4 months ago
Location: St Albert, ALBERTA

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.


Position Overview

The Department of Chemical & Petroleum Eng in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Electron Microscopist . This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Electron Microscopist will report to the Professor, and they will be providing Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) sample characterization services to >100 researchers at the University. The Electron Microscopist will work normal hours and will be expected to manage and plan their workload. Demand for the TEM facility is expected to be high, and the Electron Microscopist will work closely with users, to manage their needs and expectations, prioritize tasks, and contribute to projects with short timelines. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

  • Perform TEM / EDX imaging and analysis for researchers using the Thermo-Fisher Talos F200x.
  • Provide advice and training for researchers, including on sample preparation, the design and capabilities of the Talos F200x TEM, methods and operating conditions, and data and image analysis.
  • Communicate respectfully and effectively with users, to evaluate their needs and expectations, and to ensure successful and timely research outcomes for the users' projects.
  • Provide training on TEM / EDX imaging and analysis, including instrument design, capabilities, operating principles, methods and tools, and data analysis.
  • Collaborate with researchers to ensure that they obtain high quality TEM / EDX data, where required perform image and data analysis and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals.
  • Maintain the Talos F200x TEM to ensure that it is available and in good working order, with minimal down-time.
  • Order supplies and liaise with the instrument supplier for maintenance, service and repair.
  • Manage the operating budget for the TEM facility, arrange for invoicing of users, and track usage.
  • Organize and maintain a booking system for users and promote the TEM facility to researchers at the University of Calgary, and external academic and industry users.
  • Consult with users to evaluate and ensure user satisfaction, and equitable and inclusive access.
  • Report any issues and suggest solutions to the Professor and the management committees for the TEM and related materials characterization facilities, including the Dynamic Imaging Lab, the X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS), and the CPE RITS shared lab.
  • Collaborate with other instrument specialists and technicians, to coordinate activities, and undertake training on other instruments so that they can cover leaves and provide analysis / characterization services at related facilities where possible.

Qualifications / Requirements:

  • More than 3 years of experience in the use of TEM and EDX for materials imaging and characterization, including sample analysis, image and data processing.
  • More than 3 years of research experience in advanced materials chemistry, including surface characterization of materials such as catalysts, electrocatalysts, composites, and nanomaterials,
  • Experience of providing analytical / characterization services to other researchers, including effective, supportive communication and collaboration.
  • A thesis based graduate degree (preferably a PhD) with a thesis project involving extensive use of TEM, in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Application Deadline: January 8, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . For more information visit Careers in the Schulich School of Engineering .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.



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