Postdoctoral Fellow - Berlinguette Group (UBC Vancouver)

Application procedure: Please email a single PDF to decarbonization@berlinguettegroup.com with the following:

• Cover letter that describes your interest in the role, professional aspirations, and availability with respect to start date.
• CV.
• Three papers that represent your best work.
• Names and email addresses for individuals willing to serve as references.

Overview: The Berlinguette Group at the University of British Columbia is an interdisciplinary team of >40 scientists and engineers who design and build technologies to accelerate decarbonization. We are seeking highly motivated, self-driven individuals to join our sub-group that pioneered advanced electrochemical reactors that convert CO2 capture solutions into fuels and chemicals used widely by society. This sub-group continues to design and build new electrochemical reactors for carbon capture, utilization, and storage.

Position summary: 
We are seeking postdocs to lead and participate in projects that are associated with:

• The capture and conversion of reactive carbon solutions (bicarbonate-rich feedstocks) to useful carbon-containing products; and/or 
• Electrochemical mineralization and CO2 storage. 

These roles provide an opportunity to conduct innovative research, mentor trainees, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. Many projects within the Berlinguette Group also involve industrial partnerships. These positions will enable successful candidates to further hone important skills for a successful career in academia or industry.
 
Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement new electrochemical methods to optimize CO2 electrolysis in a reactive carbon electrolyzer;
• Develop and implement new electrochemical methods to optimize mineralization for CO2 storage in an  electrolyzer;
• Troubleshoot and study electrolyzer failure mechanisms;
• Design and execute experiments in the lab;
• Summarize results to share with team members and stakeholders;
• Serve as the technical point of contact with industrial/academic/government collaborators;
• Contribute to project documentation with professional reports containing design details, drawings, and supporting information;
• Design projects, forecast requirements, create milestones to measure progress, and execute related research activities/tasks;
• Provide mentorship/technical training to junior team members;
• Lead manuscript development, including coaching junior team members throughout the writing process;
• Develop proposals and grant applications for new projects; 
• Represent the Berlinguette Group at conferences, workshops, and meetings with collaborators when needed;
• Manage the procurement and/or fabrication of equipment, materials, and supplies;
• Liaise with UBC’s UILO regarding intellectual property protection;
• Other duties as assigned.

Duration: 1 year with possibility for extension.

**Note: start dates may be flexible. 

Minimum qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline;
• Strong electrochemistry background (e.g., fuel cells, water electrolysis, etc.), and familiarity with electrochemical techniques, methods, and instruments (e.g., EIS, ECSA, potentiostats, frequency response analyzers and power supplies, etc);
• Experience setting up electrochemical systems;
• Experience with TEA and LCA of different energy systems, including electrochemical;
• Experience mentoring students and junior researchers;
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills; 
• Demonstrable ability to work toward milestones and manage deadlines.

 
Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with flow electrolyzer (e.g., fuel cells, water electrolysis, etc.) testing;
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills;
• Experience developing innovative technologies and materials;
• Experience working within a large academic research group;
• Experience with academic-industry collaborations;
• Experience writing academic papers;
• Experience working with Google Apps.

Location: Our laboratories are located at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. The proximity of the campus to downtown Vancouver, the pacific ocean, world renowned ski resorts, and Canada’s premier wine region lends itself to numerous outdoor and social activities to balance the rigors of academic research.
 

How to apply?

Please send applications to decarbonization@berlinguettegroup.com and refer to reference number PDFO-57959.

Desired start date: 01 Jun 2024
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.