Post-Doctoral Researcher
CarboMat Inc. is looking for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to lead one of our largest projects in technology development and support the design, commission, and operation of our kg-scale carbon fiber production facility. The Post-Doctoral Researcher would also assist the ongoing research and development projects that are directly linked to our core technology. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a small but quickly growing talented group of engineers, researchers, and scientists. The candidate will report directly to the founders of the company.
Application Instructions: Interested applicants should send their resume to hiring@carbomatinc.com. Please note that, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Skills and Qualities:
- PhD required in 2020 or onwards in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Fiber Science, or related discipline.
- Advanced level expertise in bitumen, coke, and asphaltene chemistry, liquid crystal formation, organic chemistry, optical and cross-polarized microscopy, image analysis, and analytical chemistry.
- 3-4 years of experience working in research laboratories with hands-on characterization is an asset.
- 3-4 years of experience in project management, team building, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Advanced laboratory skills including wet chemistry techniques and material characterization techniques (e.g., FTIR, XRD, CHNS, TGA, TG-MS, XPS, rheology, cross-polarized microscopy, softening point measurement, etc.) following laboratory safety and hazard.
- Intermediate skills in polishing and grinding of carbonaceous materials.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills and ability to lead and collaborate with internal and external teams; ability to multi-task and have a strong focused mindset.
- Outstanding technical writing (protocols, reports, investigations, proposals, etc.) skills.
- Willing to grow with the company and contribute towards technology development.
- A minimum commitment of 1 year is a MUST.
- The candidate needs to be a Canadian PR, Citizen, or have a valid work permit to work in this role.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct chemical reactions with heterogeneous carbonaceous macromolecules under high temperature and high-pressure conditions
- Evaluate asphaltene blends using cross-polarized microscopy to understand and quantify the isotropic and anisotropic domains
- Characterize asphaltenes and blends of asphaltenes to understand their softening point, thermal stability, aromaticity, SARA fractions, molecular weight distribution, solubility, and rheological behavior.
- Develop optimized melt spinning conditions to produce uniform and consistent quality carbon fibers from native and various asphaltene blends
- Lead and manage a team of 10-12 researchers, chemists, technicians, and business development experts to meet the goals and milestones of ongoing projects.
- Source and procure equipment from various vendors, obtaining competitive quotes and negotiating favorable terms.
- Oversee installation processes of various high-end instruments, providing support and conducting demonstrations to ensure efficient operation post-installation.
- Prepare milestone reports with key findings for ongoing projects, outlining progress, challenges, and future objectives.
- Assist other researchers in preparing scientific manuscripts for publications.
- Lead patent preparation activities to protect innovative technologies and developments ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.
- Conduct experimental analysis, quantification, and validation of results including troubleshooting and optimizing experimental conditions.
- Foster laboratory and plant safety protocols and maintain best practices.
- Attend public and private industry events including delivery of public talks to share company expertise and innovations with the wider community.
Duration: Full-Time, 1 Year with possibility of extension.
Starting Date: March 1, 2025.
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada.
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Company Description
With increasing demand for sustainable, low-cost, and lightweight materials, we are at the verge of depleting all our natural resources while tackling climate change. To gain access to inexpensive and sustainable lightweight materials, CarboMat has been working tirelessly over the last 2 years to be at the forefront of carbon fiber production space. Our innovative technology to produce carbon fibers from waste by-products (i.e., asphaltenes) is at least 50% less energy efficient with a 60% lower production cost compared to conventional carbon fibers. As we continue to grow, our goal is to contribute towards a net-zero future sooner before 2050 and help Canada be a leader in the global carbon fiber industry.
Must-have qualifications
- Have you completed the following level of education: Doctor of Philosophy?
Ideal answer: Yes
- Are you a Canadian Permanent Resident, Citizen, or do you have a valid work permit to work in Canada?
Ideal answer: Yes
- Was your PhD awarded in 2020 or later?
Ideal answer: Yes
