Senior Research Associate - Drinking Water Research Group

Date Posted: 09/20/2024
Req ID: 39806
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto invites applications for the position of Senior Research Associate in the Drinking Water Research Group (DWRG).

The incumbent will be responsible for managing a multimillion-dollar industry-funded initiative comprised of a suite of projects in drinking water-related research, in collaboration with other departments and other universities. Overall, projects focus on the impact of emerging contaminants on human health: including micro-and nanoplastics, as well as distribution system-related chemicals. Studies will heavily involve advanced chemical analyses, bioassays and toxicity testing, in addition to fundamental drinking water engineering research. Projects will also focus on full- and pilot-scale assessment/optimization of existing and emerging water treatment processes, including ultrafiltration. Development of research methods and protocols to address novel scientific objectives will be an important aspect of this role. The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for project reporting to funding agencies, managing project budgets, organizing project meetings with team members and industry partners, communication of project activities, and supporting active research by team members.

Duties:

The incumbent will report directly to Prof. Robert Andrews, by assuming project management duties in a high-paced research environment. As a key member of the team, using their scientific knowledge and experience and management experience, the incumbent will be required to perform the following duties:

• Manage the successful execution of a wide range of research projects, under the Direction of Prof. Robert Andrews;
• Ensure research project goals are met according to budgets and timelines; manage project budgets;
• Coordinate and manage research project reporting to funding agencies;
• Liaise with co-investigators and industry partners, research collaborators, sponsors and stakeholders;
• Lead/assist in the preparation of research proposals, statements of work, technical reports, and peer reviewed journal submissions;
• Identify research gaps and prepare statistically based experimental designs to address;
• Lead the development of engineering, analytical, and data analysis methods to satisfy project objectives;
• Support research conducted by Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students;
• Present research findings to stakeholders (academic and professional);
• Manage information that includes confidential data;
• Liaise with administrators to support the organization of research events (symposia, workshops, meetings);
• Engage with the research community via conferences, presentations, workshops, webinars, etc., as well as general media and social media to promote research activities.

Qualifications:

• Candidates require a PhD in Civil/Environmental Engineering with at least three years postdoctoral experience in drinking water research;
• Extensive research experience in assessment of emerging contaminants in drinking water, including microplastic sampling, analysis, characterization; application of nontargeted chemical analysis, bioassays and toxicity testing; nanoplastic occurrence and analysis in drinking water; as well as factors that impact UF fouling and operational life;
• Extensive experience in supervision of Masters and Doctoral students;
• Hands-on knowledge of analytical instruments including Raman spectroscopy, GC/MS and LC/MS analysis of low concentration contaminants (ug/L - ng/L), and Pyrolysis GC/MS, as well as analysis of common water quality parameters;
• Knowledge and demonstrated application of machine learning methodologies is a plus;
• The candidate must have an excellent publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, as well as demonstrated project management experience in drinking water research;
• Experience in direct liaison with senior drinking water utility personnel;
• Demonstrated experience working in teams of researchers, and specifically assigning/managing tasks in large interdisciplinary projects;
• First-hand experience with budgeting and reporting requirements of research funding agencies such as NSERC, WRF, and Health Canada;
• Must show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment;
• Excellent inter- personal and oral and written communication skills, a demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a group setting.

Travel:

• As required to attend in-person meetings/site visits at research partner facilities; attend and present research at national and international conferences.

Note:

• All individuals interested in this position must include in their submission a single electronic file consisting of a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, detailed CV, and the names and addresses of three references.

Closing Date: 10/11/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R02 -- Sr. Research Associates $61,510 - $107,439 - $124,864 (open)
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching