Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory, Research Associate

Opportunity type: Employment type: Rate of pay: $62,000 to $65,000 per year depending on qualifications. (Salary)

Title of position: Research Associate

Job duties: The Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory in the Institute for Quantum Computing and Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo has an exciting research associate position in the area of spintronic phenomena in 2D quantum materials. The successful candidate will develop a new program in the growth of layered magnetic topological compounds and study their transport properties in the atomically thin limit. Job responsibilities involve setting up new infrastructure for the synthesis of high-quality single crystals, assembly and fabrication of 2D heterostructures in inert atmosphere, and carrying out novel electronic and spintronic experiments on devices at low temperature. The candidate will have access to all the nanofabrication and characterization equipment available at the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility as well as cryogenic infrastructure at the Institute for Quantum Computing. The position offers opportunities to work on an interdisciplinary research program and to interact with collaborators in theory and experimental optics.

Company operating name: University of Waterloo

Business address: 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada

Terms of employment: Full-time definite-term contract

Closing date: Closing date for receiving applications is September 15, 2024

Contract length: 2 years

Wage range: $62,000 to $65,000 per year depending on qualifications

Benefits package: Research associate definite-term appointments equal to or greater than two years are eligible to receive the following benefits: pension, dental, extended health, group life, sick leave, long-term disability, and Employee & Family Assistance. For more details about benefits please refer to Human Resources

Location of work: Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

Contact information for hiring manager:
Adam W. Tsen
Principal Investigator, Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory
Institute for Quantum Computing and Department of Chemistry
Phone: 519 888 4567 ext. 30375
Mobile: 226 972 0504
Email (preferred): awtsen@uwaterloo.ca

If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact the hiring manager.

Submission of applications: Applications should be submitted electronically to the following email address: awtsen@uwaterloo.ca. Please submit a current CV with a cover letter and the contact information of 2-3 referees. All applications shall be reviewed; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Skills requirements:

The successful candidate for this position should be an enthusiastic and passionate researcher with the following five (5) essential skills, which must be supported by publication(s):

  • Expertise in the synthesis of bulk single crystals using flux growth and/or chemical vapor transport.
  • Expertise in utilizing and maintaining helium cryogenic infrastructure.
  • Expertise in magnetotransport measurements at low temperatures (< 4K).
  • Expertise in nanofabrication tools (electron and/or optical lithography, etching, physical vapor deposition, etc.).
  • Proficiency in LabView, MATLAB, and/or Python programming for instrumentation control.

Additional expected skills:

  • Strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills to work efficiently in a collaborative team environment.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to multitask effectively, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to lead and motivate graduate and co-op student(s), and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Ability to work safely, effectively, and independently in a lab environment.

Education: PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or other related disciplines from a recognized educational institution.

Work experience: The candidate should have a commendable track record of publications in renowned international journals, and a minimum of four (4) years of postdoctoral experience in mentoring undergraduate students, MSc and/or PhD students.

Schedule: Flexible, 35 hours per week.

Expected start date: October 15, 2024.


The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees.

The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact awtsen@uwaterloo.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

To comply with Federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information about how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.