Hardware Technical Specialist; Onsite, Two- term

Hardware Technical Specialist (100% Onsite, Two-year term)
Campus:
St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description

About us
The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

The Acceleration Consortium (AC), based at the University of Toronto (U of T), is a global community of academia, industry, and government working to accelerate the discovery and development of advanced materials and molecules. The AC develops self-driving laboratories (SDLs), autonomous research platforms that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and advanced computing to dramatically reduce the time and cost of scientific discovery.

The Acceleration Consortium (AC) promotes an inclusive research environment and supports the EDI priorities of the unit.

The Acceleration Consortium received a $200M Canadian First Research Excellence Grant for seven years to develop self-driving labs for chemistry and materials, the largest ever grant to a Canadian University. This grant will provide the Acceleration Consortium with seven years of funding to execute its vision.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Director, Acceleration Consortium and working under the guidance of (Senior) Research Associates, this position will play a pivotal role in supporting research projects focused on self-driving labs for accelerated discovery, and will collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. Responsibilities include but are not limited to Experimental Design and Execution, Computational Modeling, Prototype Development, Data Analysis, and Lab Maintenance.

This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Your responsibilities will include

Performing lab experiments that requires great precision and attention to many details

Analyzing and recommending options for project design

Analyzing applicable installation methods for apparatus and devices

Keeping well-informed on current technologies, best practices and industry standards

Coordinating routine maintenance of lab equipment

Applying established standards when operating fabrication equipment

Serving as a technical resource on laboratory protocols, and experimental procedures and equipment

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably with a focus on chemical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or related fields, or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience and education. A master's degree in engineering is preferred.

Minimum three years of recent and relevant experience in supporting research projects, including experimental design and execution, prototype development, data analysis, data reporting, and lab maintenance.

Hands‑on experience with 3D printing technologies, including design software (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD) and printer operation.

Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++, with the ability to develop custom scripts and algorithms control systems and modeling.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the…