Research Assistant​/Technician

Job Title

Research Assistant/Technician 3

Research | Berlinguette Lab | Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science

$4,900.00 – $5,343.00 CAD Monthly

This position is part of a sub‑group within the Berlinguette Group that studies nuclear fusion (the Thunderbird team). The Thunderbird team built the Thunderbird Reactor: a bench‑top apparatus that generates deuterium–deuterium (D–D) fusion within a palladium metal target (Nature, 2025). The reactor loads deuterium fuel into one side of the target using plasma‑immersion ion implantation (PIII) to enable fusion, and can increase reaction rates by 15 % when using an electrochemical cell to load the other side of the target with more fuel.

The Thunderbird Reactor is a research platform for investigating approaches to enhancing nuclear fusion reaction rates, not an energy‑generating device.

The incumbent reports to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Curtis Berlinguette, professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical & Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The cross‑functional nature of the research carried out in the Berlinguette Group requires close collaboration with researchers and staff for effective teamwork within the lab.

• Support the construction of reactor upgrades and expansions.
• Collaborate on modeling reactor parameters and performing theoretical calculations toward energy gain.
• Develop and run physics simulations for thermal processes.
• Build and assemble mechanical and vacuum components of the reactor.
• Contribute to reactor commissioning planning and CNSC licensing activities.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date reactor design documentation.

• Participate in reactor operation and experimental campaigns.
• Assist in experimental design and execution.
• Conduct experiments and support reactor testing activities.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to reactor efficiency improvement.
• Maintain detailed documentation of experimental campaigns and results.

• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices.

• Work with team members to understand design requirements and develop solutions.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders (e.g., building operations, radiation safety office) to support project needs.
• Assist in preparing presentations and technical materials outlining designs, methods, and results.

• Perform other related duties as required within the scope of the role.

Work is expected to be of professional quality to ensure data integrity and prevent delays to research. Consequences of error include increased project costs due to time wasted and potential risks to the personal health and safety of colleagues. Work will be reviewed periodically by Prof. Berlinguette in addition to workplace safety teams.

Works under general supervision of the sub‑group lead (currently a staff member) in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities. Receives more detailed instructions from the sub‑group lead on new assignments or changes in procedures.

None.

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Familiarity with nuclear fusion reactor designs and understanding of the broader fusion landscape.
• Experience in designing and building nuclear fusion reactors.
• Proficiency in modeling physical processes using COMSOL.
• Strong foundation in plasma physics.
• Knowledge of nuclear fusion diagnostic methods.
• Experience with mechanical design using CAD.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly and power tools.

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