Automated Experiment Specialist (2 Year Term)

Date Posted: 10/29/2025
Req ID: 45789
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Department of Materials Science & Engineering
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00058879

About us:

Since its inauguration, the Alliance for AI-Accelerated Material Discovery (A3MD) has focused on the development of pipelines to facilitate high-throughput materials synthesis and characterization for both OER and CO2RR applications. Our labs leverage automated, high-throughput experimentation and artificial intelligence capable of pushing the boundaries of traditional materials discovery.

Your opportunity:

As part of the A3MD, Prof. Jason Hattrick-Simpers at the Department of Materials Engineering at the University of Toronto is seeking two senior mechanical system specialists. The successful candidates will be part of a team that focusses on the synthesis and characterization of materials that can be used in catalytic reaction to convert CO2 into fuels or feedstocks. Under the directive of the team scientists, the operators will be responsible for running robotic synthesis and characterization setups.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collecting experimental data, verifying results and passing on findings, and preparing draft statistical reports and summaries from data collected. Equipment that will be used include, but are not limited to Chemspeed robotic synthesis setups, tube furnaces, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence machines.
• Preparing, assembling and setting-up material and robotic equipment according to the experimental designs drafted by the scientists.
• Liaising with service providers to coordinate the resolution of technical issues of the setups.
• Analyzing the results of the lab work and generating reports.
• Providing analysis and recommendation to increase experimental efficiency.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science Engineering or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years of experience operating robotic machinery, documenting and working with standard operating procedures (SOPs), experience using a 3D printer, and experience setting up, performing and supporting chemical experiments.
• Experience preparing, assembling and setting-up material, equipment and supplies according to the needs of a facility.
• Proven ability to read and comprehend work instructions.
• High level of proficiency with personal computers and appropriate software packages including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to explain technical terminology / processes to a wide range of audiences.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize, manage and meet multiple competing deadlines with high flexibility, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with the demonstrated capability to effectively work independently, within a team, and under direction.
• Proven ability to practice strong professionalism, tact, discretion, initiative, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and work environment.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Experience operating physical vapor deposition tools, Chemspeed robotic systems, Opentrons, or similar.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Cooperative
• Goal oriented
• Organized

Note: This is a 2 year term position.

Closing Date: 11/06/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  
USW Pay Band 09 -- $67,916. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $86,855. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.