Research Associate in Materials Engineering
University of Alberta
Canada

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $63,090 to $105,189. 

This position has an initial appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension provided there is funding.

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

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta invites applications for a Research Associate position to contribute to cutting-edge research in welding engineering, advanced materials characterization, mechanical testing, and failure analysis.

The successful candidate will engage in advanced research on coker drum life assessments, welding processes, materials testing, and material characterization.

Position Summary

This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects, collaborate with leading experts, and mentor junior researchers in a dynamic academic setting.

Duties 

• Conduct advanced research in welding engineering, materials characterization, and failure analysis, particularly in the areas of coker drum life assessment, pipelines, girth welds, and steam tubes.
• Perform sub-size sample-based testing and investigate microstructure-property relationships and degradation mechanisms in various materials.
• Operate MTS and Instron servo-hydraulic test systems for mechanical testing, including fatigue, fracture, and tensile testing.
• Lead Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) testing of pipelines and girth welds to assess material performance and fracture resistance at lower temperatures.
• Conduct fatigue testing and analysis of additive-manufactured Titanium alloys to study their mechanical properties and behavior.
• Carry out failure analysis of critical infrastructure materials, including pipelines, steam tubes, and girth welds, to understand failure mechanisms and improve material performance.
• Utilize CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), COMSOL, and SolidWorks to model material behavior, welding processes, and failure analysis scenarios.
• Use ThermoCalc and Dictra for material property simulation, phase diagram calculations, and process modeling.
• Mentor and provide guidance to graduate students and junior research staff on experimental techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners on research initiatives and contribute to co-authored publications.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research papers, presentations, and annual progress reports for various stakeholders.
• Assist in project management, including tracking milestones, managing timelines, and ensuring resource allocation to meet project goals.

Qualifications

• A master’s or Ph.D. degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of postdoctoral experience in welding-related research.
• At least 4 years of experience in coker drum life assessment, including sub-size sample-based testing, microstructure-property relationships, and degradation mechanisms.
• Experience with MTS and Instron servo-hydraulic test systems for mechanical testing.
• Expertise in welding procedure specification (WPS) for steam tubes/pipes.
• Extensive experience in CTOD testing of pipelines and girth welds.
• Proficiency in fatigue testing and analysis of additive-manufactured Titanium alloys.
• Proven track record of failure analysis for pipelines, steam tubes, and girth welds.
• Experience with ThermoCalc and Dictra for material modeling and simulations.
• Experience with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), COMSOL, and SolidWorks for modeling and simulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality technical reports, research papers, and presentations.
• Experience in project management, including resource management, timeline tracking, and coordination of research teams.
• Expertise with SupplyNet software.