Research Associate (2 Year Term) - Materials

Date Posted: 10/15/2026
Req ID:50555
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Civil and Mineral Engineering
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

The University of Toronto’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering offers a dynamic compendium of research and academic programs with a mandate that spans a wide range of applications in professional practice, encompassing the built environment and its infrastructure, transportation engineering and planning, structural engineering, environmental engineering, mining and geomechanics. Our department seeks to uphold and strengthen its position as a preeminent leader in education and research, and to continue to develop sustainable solutions for the global community across the spectrum from mineral engineering to urban infrastructure.

The Structural Materials group in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering carries out research in the areas of concrete and other structural materials, durability, sustainability and corrosion. The Research Associate will work directly under the supervision of Professor Karl Peterson, and also conduct research supervised by Professors Daman Panesar, Ibrahim Ogunsanya and Professor Emeritus Doug Hooton.

Responsibilities:

• Developing and executing a research vision with PIs to achieve research goals
• Leading research activities on cement and concrete samples using SEM/EDX, TGA/DTA/DSC, XRD, isothermal calorimetry, and optical microscopy
• Training graduate students and other researchers on safe laboratory operations, material handling and equipment use (including the analytical methods mentioned in the point above)
• Assisting graduate students, undergraduate students, and other researchers with their experimental testing program related to cement, concrete and other construction materials
• Providing technical leadership in the delivery of specialized research services, including experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and communication of findings to stakeholders
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational protocols
• Writing grant and funding applications
• Preparing manuscripts, patents, technical reports, and reports to sponsors
• Presenting and publishing results at conferences and in journals.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with specialization in concrete materials, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Area of specialization must be in cementitious materials  
• At least 4 years of post-PhD laboratory experience
• Evidence of research collaboration, teaching and training HQP
• Knowledge of lab safety protocols and ability to provide awareness and adherence of protocols to lab users
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated excellent leadership/organization as a team leader in R&D projects. 
• Demonstrated research excellence, preferably with a strong publication record. 
• Able to lift 20 kg to chest height

Required Documents:

Candidates are requested to submit a comprehensive cover letter that summarizes the research experience of the applicant and a CV.

Note: This is a two year position with possibility of renewal.

Closing Date: 10/23/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $55,661 - $104,364
Job Category: Engineering / Technical