Research Associate

Job Identification 4050

Posting Date 06/23/2026, 02:44 PM

Apply Before 08/01/2026, 05:55 AM

Job Schedule Full Time

Locations

Edmonton, AB, Canada
(On-site)

Category Type Laboratory and Research

Position Type Trust Research Academic Staff (TRAS)

College/Administrative Portfolio College of Natural And Applied Sciences

Faculty/Department Engineering

Annual Salary Range $63,465 - $79,339

About the Team
The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

Description

This position has an initial appointment of 18 months from the start date.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

Applies extensive expert knowledge in welding engineering, advanced materials characterization, mechanical testing, fracture mechanics, and failure analysis, with a focus on hot forging simulation, structural integrity assessment, and microstructure-property relationships. The position requires a high level of performance in complex research activities for the successful execution of research projects through experimental design, data analysis, report writing, oral presentations, student mentorship, and collaboration with academic and industrial partners. The position reports to the Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities

1. Research Program Development and Execution

• Carry out specialized literature reviews on exploratory topics of interest as well as topics addressing current research projects.
• Develop research custom methodologies and testing protocols for the simulation of hot deformation, welding processes, and materials performance evaluation.
• Lead and support industrial and academic research projects from concept development through project completion.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings to stakeholders and collaborators.
• Contribute to the development of new research directions and funding opportunities.

2. Mechanical Testing

• Design and conduct mechanical testing programs using MTS and Instron servo-hydraulic systems, including tensile, compression, fatigue, fracture toughness, DIC, and temperature-controlled testing.
• Perform fracture mechanics on pipeline steels, weldments, and other engineering alloys.
• Develop and implement testing procedures in accordance with applicable industry standards and research objectives.
• Interpret and report test results.

3. Materials Characterization and Computational Modelling

• Conduct advanced microstructural characterization using SEM, FESEM, EBSD, EDS, XRD, hardness mapping, metallography, and related techniques.
• Investigate microstructure–property relationships, phase transformations, weldability, and heat-treatment effects in engineering materials.
• Utilize Thermo-Calc, DICTRA, and related computational tools for materials design, phase prediction, and process simulation.
• Apply computational modelling tools, including CFD, COMSOL, and SolidWorks, to support materials and process development.
• Integrate experimental and modelling results to support research objectives and technology development.

4. Project Management and Research Coordination

• Coordinate research activities, project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation across multiple projects.
• Monitor project progress and ensure timely completion of research objectives and reporting requirements.
• Manage procurement of equipment, consumables, and laboratory supplies in accordance with
• University policies and sponsor requirements, and maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain project documentation, technical records, and data management systems.
• Contribute to proposal development, budgeting activities, and sponsor communications.

5. Knowledge Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and research presentations.
• Present research findings to academic, industrial, and government stakeholders.
• Collaborate with industrial partners to address technical challenges and develop innovative engineering solutions.
• Support technology transfer and implementation of research outcomes.
• Contribute to the writing of grant applications, contract research, and new strategic research initiatives.

6. Laboratory Leadership, Mentorship, and Safety

• Mentor graduate students, research assistants, and junior researchers in experimental techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies.
• Provide technical guidance on safe laboratory equipment operation, testing procedures, and materials characterization techniques.
• Support laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, and facility management activities.
• Promote and ensure compliance with University health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and productive research environment that supports excellence in research and training.

Qualifications

• PhD in Welding Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience in Materials Engineering and/or industrial research experience in welding, structure-property relationships of materials, and fracture mechanics.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in mechanical testing, including tensile, compression, fatigue, fracture toughness, CTOD, DIC, and temperature-controlled testing using servo-hydraulic systems.
• Advanced knowledge of welding metallurgy, heat treatment, phase transformations, alloy design, and materials processing.
• Strong expertise in microstructural characterization techniques, including SEM/FESEM, EBSD, EDS, metallography, hardness mapping, and failure analysis.
• Proficiency in Thermo-Calc, DICTRA, and other computational tools for materials modelling and simulation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, with the ability to independently design and execute complex research programs.
• Proven project management, organizational, and multitasking abilities, with experience coordinating multiple research activities and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, research proposals, and presentations.
• Effective interpersonal, mentoring, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work successfully with students, researchers, faculty members, and industrial partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and a commitment to maintaining a safe, collaborative, inclusive and productive research environment.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 - $79,339.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7260651

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