The position is responsible for managing technical operations of the Ontario Battery and Electrochemistry-research Centre (OBEC) and the provision of characterization services to support research in the associated CFI-funded metrology suite, including funded external research interests. The incumbent is required to maintain the suite of associated metrology equipment and all aspects of its operations.

This position is contingent on funding.

Characterization Equipment

• Operate ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopes and associated technologies including EDS and EBSD
• Conduct sample preparation including polishing and cross-sectioning using ion bombardment
• Deposit metals for sample preparation by thermal evaporation
• Utilize X-ray diffraction techniques and interpret results
• Conduct Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses and interpret results
• Maintain an understanding of electrochemistry at an appropriate level to operate the above-mentioned techniques in situ or operando
• Train academic and industry users in the abovementioned techniques as well as those that may be required in the future, such as XPS, TOF-SIMs and X-ray CT
• Operate, calibrate and maintain equipment valued over one million dollars
• Keep the metrology space clean and organized with the appropriate handling and disposal techniques, including the disposal of hazardous materials

Administration

• Manage all technical operations of OBEC including the metrology suite and battery prototyping facility
• Maintain the metrology facilities and all aspects of their functioning, including usage, scheduling, and all related charges
• Process users’ requests for metrology services and communicate the results
• Source and order supplies for the facilities
• Establish and maintain liaison with equipment sales representatives and technical support
• Co-supervision of OBEC’s Battery Prototyping and Testing Engineer
• Co-supervision of casual co-op students who might occasionally assist in operations

Safety

• Maintain first aid kit, spill kit, posted safety procedures including WHMIS, hazardous waste disposal etc. in the analytical lab
• Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the metrology suite
• Conduct regular safety inspections in the metrology suite, including the enforcement of safety requirements for lab users
• Prepare and maintain chemical inventory in accordance with UW and legislative requirements in the analytical lab

Other duties

• Serve as a technical resource person for OBEC faculty, researchers, and students in the development of their research projects
• Provide occasional support in the operation and maintenance of OBEC’s Battery Prototyping and Testing Facility in collaboration with staff from the Faculty of Engineering

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field
• Minimum of three years of practical, hands-on experience operating electron microscopes (SEM, TEM)
• Hands-on experience operating thin film deposition instruments such as thermal evaporators and prepping samples by ion mill etching or cross-sectioning is preferred
• Hands-on experience operating X-ray diffractrometers, GC-MS and other advanced characterization equipment such as XPS, TOF-SIMS, X-ray CT, etc. is preferred
• A working knowledge of electrochemistry as applied to the operation of Li-ion or beyond Li-ion batteries would be an asset
• Experience commissioning, troubleshooting and retro-fitting the abovementioned scientific equipment is a must
• Experience operating ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopes and associated technologies including EDS and EBSD
• Experience conducting advanced sample preparation and analysis
• Expert understanding of materials chemistry, spectroscopy, electron optics, as well as electron and X-ray diffraction
• Intermediate knowledge of battery composition and operation (e.g., electrode materials and electrolytes) including testing criteria
• Advanced understanding of both materials chemistry and electron optics with demonstrated ability to link imaging results to correct interpretation
• The ability to quickly learn and adapt new processing and analytical methodologies
• Knowledge in other common analytical laboratory practices and equipment functionality, specifically, QCM, TGA, DSC, gas adsorption analysis, etc

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.