Research Scientist: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Job Summary

Research Scientist: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science. Pay range: $6,438.50–$9,255.58 CAD monthly.

The Electron Microscopy Laboratory hosts the Thermo Fisher Scientific Nexsa G2 X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer. The Laboratory supports researchers across UBC, Canadian academic institutions, and industrial partners in energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and net‑zero materials research.

• Design and implement experimental and analytical approaches for XPS‑based surface and near‑surface characterization.
• Develop protocols, specifications, and workflows for sample preparation, data acquisition, spectral interpretation, elemental quantification, and chemical state analysis.
• Manage day‑to‑day operation of the Nexsa G2 XPS system and associated analytical and sample preparation equipment, including maintenance, tuning, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Manage consumables, service needs, operating procedures, and training documentation for the Laboratory.
• Analyze and interpret XPS data, preparing technical reports, presentations, publications, and project summaries for academic and industry users.
• Communicate results, assumptions, limitations, and uncertainty clearly to support sound scientific interpretation and decision‑making.
• Develop and apply correlative characterization workflows involving XPS, optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, FIB, and related sample preparation or analytical methods.
• Create new protocols, software‑supported workflows, or equipment implementation strategies where appropriate.
• Develop and deliver training for safe and effective operation of the XPS system and related equipment.
• Provide technical guidance to students, research staff, faculty members, visiting researchers, and external users on experimental design, analytical procedures, equipment use, data quality, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners to understand project objectives, define scope, plan experimental work, analyze results, and meet agreed deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, contributing to budget estimates, quotations, timelines, and client communications for facility‑based work.
• Contribute to new research ideas, grant applications, outreach materials, and client engagement activities related to XPS and advanced materials characterization.
• Participate in progress meetings, technical presentations, conferences, or publications aligned with the Laboratory’s research and service activities.

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science.
• Minimum of one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• PhD in materials science and engineering, physics, applied physics, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Advanced training and demonstrated experience in XPS instrument operation, optimization, data analysis, spectral interpretation, and application to materials characterization.
• Experience working in or supporting an advanced analytical research facility (X‑ray, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, or related materials characterization).
• Experience designing and delivering research or technical projects, including experimental planning, data interpretation, reporting, and communication with academic or industry partners.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to students, staff, researchers, or facility users.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Additional experience in data analysis workflows using Python or MATLAB, in situ or in operando methods, multimodal or multiscale characterization, electron microscopy, or focused ion beam sample preparation.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized 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, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at wo

Posting End Date:
August 10, 2026. Job End Date:
August 31, 2029.