Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Synthetic Chemistry

Job Category

Job Title

Department

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $62,000/annually.

Job Summary/Description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Gates Group in the Department of Chemistry at The University of British Columbia.

This position will report to Dr. Derek Gates, as part of a joint project with industry that is supported by an approved MITACS Accelerate PDF internship. The successful applicant must meet the eligibility requirements to be a MITACS Accelerate Intern at the PDF level.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Synthetic Chemistry

• Technical Experience with the synthesis and purification of inorganic and/or organic small molecules and/or polymers, including air-sensitive methods.

• Expertise in the analytical methods employed for the characterization of molecules and polymers is essential. Expertise in hydrometallurgical processes for efficient mineral extraction will be an asset but is not required.

• Research experience, excellent communication skills, judgment, and discretion in working with various senior professionals and collaborating with internal and external agencies.

Expected Responsibilities:

• Synthesize or commercially source relevant functional small molecules, monomers, and polymers.

• Perform and optimize mineral extractions from ores provided by industrial partner.

• Purify materials employing ion-exchange resins or similar separation protocols.

• Analyze molecules/polymers using standard characterization tools (e.g. NMR, IR, MS, etc.)

• Analyze complex mixtures to identify and determine concentration of dissolved metal ions, molecular compounds and polymers.

• Employ analytical methods such as LC-MS, ESI-MS, MALDI-MS, TOC analysis, ICP-OES, and DLS.

• Optimizing techniques described above.

• Develop new synthetic and analytical methods to solve problems of relevance to our industrial partner.

• Serve as the point of contact for external (industry) and internal (PIs and HQP) stakeholders on scientific and technical matters.

• Provide reports (written and oral) to our industry partner on a monthly basis.

• May oversee other research personnel.

• May provide orientation and training on laboratory techniques and instruments as required.

• Maintain safe and clean lab space used

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Location:

The primary work location is the UBC Vancouver Campus

Application Process:

Seeking full-time PDF for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Anticipated Start Date: August 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible.

Deadline to Apply:  Applications will be reviewed starting June 15 until the position is filled.
 

Only applications received through UBC’s online job board will be considered

Please submit the following documents in your application:

• A CV

• Cover Letter

• Contact Information for three referees

• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.
   

All applicants are asked to address the following points in their cover letters:

Their synthetic and analytical expertise The purification techniques that they have experience with The earliest date that they would be available

Equity and Diversity Statement:

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC 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, or Indigenous person.