Research Associate – Multi-Anvil Pressure Synthesis

Position: Research Associate – Multi-Anvil High Pressure Synthesis
Academic Job Category  Faculty Non Bargaining Job Title Research Associate – Multi-Anvil High Pressure Synthesis Department Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Marcel Franz)
Posting End Date:
September 10, 2026.

Note:

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date:
October 31, 2029.
The expected pay range for this position is $7,500 - $9,000/month.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students.

Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
About the Opportunity  The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (UBC Blusson QMI) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to support the Institute’s efforts in the development and operation of a multi-anvil press facility for the high pressure synthesis of materials exhibiting emergent quantum phenomena. The successful applicant will have completed a PhD in a field related to the research interests of UBC Blusson QMI and have substantive experience in the operation of multi-anvil presses and high-pressure synthesis.

As a Research Associate, you will support collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in developing novel quantum materials that exhibit emergent magnetic and electron properties.
About the Institute  UBC Blusson QMI is a world-leading venture into research of quantum systems and phenomena. One of its core areas of strength is research into various condensed matter systems that display emergent electronic phases such as unconventional superconductivity, ferroelectricity, exotic magnetism, and other symmetry breaking orders. The Quantum Materials Design Lab (QMDL), one of 12 Core Facilities at UBC Blusson QMI, is a state-of-the-art materials synthesis and crystal growth facility that supports quantum material research as well as a wide range of projects across disciplines and both with academia and industry.
Responsibilities and Qualifications   oversee the management and operation of a state-of-the‑art high pressure synthesis laboratory equipped with a 700‑ton and a 1500‑ton multi‑anvil press to achieve high pressure synthesis conditions from 5 to 25 GPa
manage facility operations and equipment, develop standard operating protocols, plan experiments, coordinate with vendors to procure consumables, oversee regular maintenance and repairs
mentor a team of students and postdocs
support multiple research groups that utilize the multi‑anvil press in their investigations
publicize research findings through presentations at international conferences and prepare articles for peer‑reviewed journals
UBC Blusson QMI fosters collaboration by engaging strong interdisciplinary teams of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry, and applied science, and establishing active partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, University of Tokyo, and many other world leading institutions.
The successful candidate will thrive in our collegial and collaborative culture and will bring the following qualifications to the role:
a PhD in an area relevant to the research pursuits of UBC Blusson QMI and the Quantum Materials Design Lab, such as physics, chemistry, or materials science
significant postdoctoral experience (3+ years) in the field of multi‑anvil high pressure synthesis of quantum materials
experience in the development of new capabilities (e.g. new classes of materials, single crystal growth, modified cell designs)
experience in the development, management and operation of high pressure synthesis facilities
complimentary experimental competencies such as crystallography, microstructural characterization, lab‑based magnetic and electronic property measurements, and x‑ray or neutron spectroscopies
a competitive record of publications in reputable scientific journals
demonstrated capacity to pursue independent research aligned with UBC Blusson QMI interests
exp…