Research Associate (1 Year Term) - Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab

Date Posted: 12/05/2025
Req ID:46342
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Smart and Adaptive Polymers and Composites Lab at the University of Toronto, a leading research group addressing major engineering and materials challenges in Canada and internationally through evidence-based research and rigorous field assessment, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate - Term to join a multi-partner, industry-driven research project. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with well-established industrial collaborators and contribute to cutting-edge innovations in advanced polymer and composite materials.

Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals.
• Design, conduct, and analyze experimental research on advanced polymer and composite materials, including formulation, processing, and testing.
• Perform mechanical, thermal, rheological, and electrical characterization of materials using standard laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Support scale-up activities and translation of laboratory research to industry-relevant applications.
• Plan and execute experimental programs in collaboration with industrial partners and external research teams.
• Collect, interpret, and document experimental data for internal reports, progress updates, and technical presentations.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts, technical reports, and disclosure documents for academic and industrial dissemination.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational protocols.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
• Coordinate research activities and timelines across multiple team members and collaborators.
• Contribute to proposal development, milestone planning, and reporting deliverables for sponsored research projects.
• The Research Associate is expected to publish both at conferences and in journals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in polymer science and composite materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage research teams, including coordination of personnel, tasks, and deadlines.
• Proven hands-on experience with laboratory-based materials characterization techniques (e.g., mechanical testing, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEM, and electrical conductivity).
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results independently.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with experience preparing research reports and publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team-based research environment.
• Experience with laboratory safety practices and research documentation (SOPs, lab notebooks, data management).
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and work environment.

Assets:

• Prior experience in polymer processing and synthesis (e.g., extrusion, compounding, injection molding, or material formulation).
• In-depth practical knowledge of polymer structure–property relationships.
• Experience working with industry-sponsored research projects or collaborative R&D programs.
• Background in nanocomposites, fibers, functional polymers, or smart materials.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or technical reports.
• Project coordination or management experience in a research or industrial setting.

Closing Date: 12/15/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Engineering / Technical