Research Associate

at  Western University

CLASSIFICATION & REGULAR HOURS

Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade: R2
Please note, this is a 1-year temporary grant-funded role.

ABOUT US

The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to provide a high quality, comprehensive, research-inspired education in chemistry by offering a curriculum which fosters academic excellence in knowledge and research and to teach students to be scientifically literate, responsible global citizens and professional leaders with an enduring passion for research and learning.
The mission of Dr. Hedberg’s research is to increase our understanding of interfacial reactions of relevance to materials degradation (corrosion) of importance to human health, the environment, and societal safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or relevant discipline
• PhD preferred

Experience:

• 3 years of experience conducting synchrotron experiments, material characterization, dynamic light scattering, and microscopy, electrochemistry and spectroscopy techniques in a related academic research environment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In depth knowledge with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Ability to use various equipment and instrumentation to conduct research including spectroscopes and microscopes (such as Xray absorption spectroscope, electron microscope)
• Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment and with best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the research group’s events and activities
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach students to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the research team
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the research team to achieve department goals
• Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes (Microsoft Office, data evaluation software for spectroscopic data)
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems
• Familiarity with University research policies and procedures preferred

The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to research projects under the direction of a Principal Investigator, and will carry out and oversee original and independent research to assist the PI in achieving their research outcomes utilizing synchrotron experiments, material characterization, dynamic light scattering, and microscopy, electrochemistry and spectroscopy techniques. The position will play a lead role in training graduate students, undergraduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment. The Research Associate will support and operationalize new and innovative research opportunities, participate in the development of research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments. The role will collect data, perform analysis, evaluate and interpret experimental results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.