Research Associate

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

The expected pay range for this position is $7,000 - $7,350/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. ​​​​​​

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at the University of British Columbia is seeking a PhD-level Scientific Research Associate to support its Ultrafast Spectroscopy research efforts. Under the direction of Prof. David Jones, the Research Associate – Ultrafast Optical Spectroscopy will work with Jones and other researchers to identify questions and problems and devise new optical techniques (both source and detection development) to address open questions in plasma dynamics as well as condensed matter systems. The Research Associate will also mentor Blusson QMI students and other researchers with optical measurement techniques. They will also collaborate with other institutions and industry organizations, attend conferences and workshops to gather and disseminate knowledge of advances in the field and may contribute to writing and submission of grants to fund research activities. 

Work performed includes, but is not limited to:

• Operating, maintaining and performing repairs of delicate optical equipment and infrastructure such as fibre and solid state laser systems amplified femtosecond laser systems OPOs, and midinfrared sources;

• Developing, improving and implementing a variety of laboratory techniques needed to successfully run ultra-fast pump probe measurements;

• Managing undergraduate students and training graduate students with laser spectroscopy systems and general optical techniques;

• Researching and developing new experimental optical detection techniques in a variety of experimental research configurations; preparing reports on these, and other, research/development activities;

• Publishing findings; maintaining records of research activities and outcomes; preparing official research reports and statistics to support Blusson QMI and UBC performance related metrics and other university related administrative requirements;

• Designing parts and assemblies using CAD software like Autodesk Inventor and Solidworks;

• Spectral Data Analysis;  

• Directing and participating in development and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, including both custom software (data acquisition, instrumentation control, and data analysis), and hardware components (vacuum equipment, lasers/optics, and electronics);

• Researching, advising on and purchasing equipment and supplies;

• Monitoring, interpreting, preparing and presenting reports to the research team;

• Maintaining awareness of current and upcoming projects and experiments and provide input as requested regarding directing infrastructure and resources to those projects that are of the highest priority.

The successful candidate will thrive in our collegial culture and with the following required qualifications:

• PhD in physics or engineering, specializing in the development and use of ultrafast laser technologies and associated spectroscopy techniques.

• Experience with frequency stabilization of femtosecond frequency combs.

• Several years (minimum two) of postdoctoral or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading research projects.

• Ability to pursue an independent research program aligned with QMI interests.

• Good communication and collaboration skills.

• At least 2 years experience of supervising students.

They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.

UBC QMI is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena involving quantum materials, engineered systems and quantum simulators. We believe in the power of collaboration to fuel the search for creative solutions and, in addition to building a strong interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theorists from physics, chemistry and applied science, have established thriving partnerships with TRIUMF, the Canadian Light Source, the Max Planck Society, and many other world-leading institutions, as well as private sector companies including D-Wave, Xanadu, Pasqal, and Photonic.

UBC QMI is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. UBC offers a competitive benefits package including extended medical, dental, life insurance, and pension plan.

For more information about QMI:

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. 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, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant's record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC's Center For Workplace Accessibility website at or contact the Centre at

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Jasmine Chipman Koty