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Researcher, Bio-Thermal-Chemical Processing

Vegreville AB

 

The Bio Industrial Services Division at InnoTech Alberta is seeking an Intermediate Researcher for the Bio-Thermal-Chemical Processing area of its Research and Development team. The successful incumbent will develop and lead projects related to battery material improvement, battery assembly and testing, and support the deployment innovative technologies and processes that will help build commerce in Alberta. The Intermediate Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs and actively conduct projects and direct technologists in the execution of projects.  The position will require collaboration and interaction with colleagues, clients, and external experts.

 

This role will be based in our Vegreville facility, and will be for a full-time term position of 24 months.

 

You would be a good fit for this position if you:

 

  • Are passionate about working with various energy storage focused client groups to conduct and lead assembly, testing, research and validation activities for cells and cell materials.
  • Enjoy using your scientific expertise in order to actively conduct business development, engaging with stakeholders for new projects & initiatives
  • Are able to utilize strong leadership, coaching, and technical skills in order to develop and guide others while encouraging a strong and collaborative team-based environment
  • Excel at project management and enjoy tackling new challenges

 

We are game changers

 

InnoTech Alberta is a leading Applied Research & Technology Development Services Organization serving the needs of industry, entrepreneurs and the public sector. Our leading-edge expertise and industrial-scale research and demonstration facilities accelerate and de-risk technology development and deployment with a focus on industrial solutions and commercial application.  We are Alberta’s innovation engine with 100 years of bold ideas that feed, grow, fuel, and build Alberta’s agriculture, energy, environment, and forestry sectors. Visit us at: InnoTechAlberta.ca. 

 

Our R&D Team, with operations in Edmonton and Vegreville, comprises specialized facilities including green houses and a 300-acre research farm and expertise in Plant Sciences, biotechnology, biomass feedstock development, bio-processing, bio-conversion, thermo-chemical treatments and biomaterials engineering that help industry design, develop, demonstrate, utilize and commercialize new bio-material production processes.  The team also provides services related to material development used in electrodes of various battery styles and the associated assembly and testing of battery cells.  Key clients and partners served by this division include industries associated with forestry, agricultural, municipal sectors, SMEs, grant funding agencies, entrepreneurs, governmental / non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

 

Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position:

 

Reporting to the Supervisor of Bio Industrial Services – Research and Development, the Intermediate Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs and actively perform and direct activities required for the execution of projects.  The successful incumbent will develop proficiency in the operation and configuration of supporting equipment, and project execution for the respective service areas.  Specialized equipment and facilities include battery electrode material preparatory equipment, cell assembly equipment, cell charge a discharge testing equipment, material characterization instrumentation, anaerobic glove boxes and electrical property characterization instrumentation and other associated supporting equipment.

 

The Intermediate Researcher will be accountable for, but not limited to, executing the following: 

  • Preparing electrodes
  • Blending slurries
  • Coating, compressing, and preparing electrodes for coin cell and pouch cell construction
  • Building and testing coin cells and pouch cells to evaluate material performance
  • Using a variety of equipment for assembling battery components
  • Using semi-automated equipment for assembling batteries
  • Organizing battery materials and associated material processing
  • Measuring and recording in-process battery assembly related quality information
  • Documenting cell building procedures
  • Measuring properties of the material using equipment and techniques such as ion-adsorption capability, electrical resistivity, carbon and impurity analyses, morphological analyses, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) for capacity (capacitance) and recyclability
  • Preparing samples for deployment to external labs and potential customers
  • Assisting with the processing of materials and enhancement of materials using high temperature furnaces and various pieces of processing equipment.
  • Building support internally and among industry, government and academic stakeholders for research projects and initiatives
  • Conducting business development and engaging stakeholders for new projects & initiatives and ultimately identify, propose, and execute projects for clients while growing this burgeoning area at InnoTech
  • Providing direction to technologists regarding operations, process improvements and equipment requirements
  • Identifying and respond to the needs of clients, to lead the direction of work in this field, and to communicate results effectively
  • Provide oversight and guidance surrounding equipment maintenance and equipment operational issues.
  • Improve the service area technical expertise & expand the area capabilities, and develop new business related to the unique infrastructure and facilities available at InnoTech Alberta
  • Provide management oversight to ensure the on time, on budget delivery of experimental & testing services
  • Provide technical and scientific insight for client and business partners

 

Qualifications and skills we are looking for:

 

  • B.Sc. or M.Sc. in a chemistry, or chemical engineering or other battery materials science related field.
    • Ph.D. in a battery materials science coupled with related experience is a considered a strong asset.
  • Experienced with battery cell and/or supercapacitor cell production
  • Experienced working with small items with a predisposition towards manual dexterity
  • Highly motivated self-starter who takes initiative
  • Well organized and super attentive to the details
  • Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instruments, lab equipment and pilot plant level equipment.
  • Eligibility for registration with a professional designation associated with the candidate’s education is considered an asset.
  • A track record of liaison and advocacy with industry, government and academic stakeholders and collaborators in an science-related industry
  • A minimum of three years of battery science related experience.
  • An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
  • Knowledge and experience in applied research would be considered an asset/
  • Experience or an interest in other materials science areas including agglomeration would be considered an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects including budgets, resources, timely delivery, and interpersonal and organizational skills are essential.
  • Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a challenging and changing environment
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to work effectively in several different team environments
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide others, manage workflow and resources, and delegate projects and tasks 
  • Strong oral and written communications ability including developing high quality technical presentations and reports
  • A valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to work sites as required

 

Why InnoTech Alberta?

 

We offer our employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets while witnessing the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities for working in capacities that allow new skills to be learned. We know that the wellness of our team is the most important part of our business, so we offer a strong benefits package and generous vacation and paid time off programs to promote work-life balance which includes flexible work and wellness programs.

 At InnoTech Alberta, we respect diversity and embrace an inclusive culture. We value uniqueness and different perspectives as they play a critical role in our success. To achieve this, individuals are selected based on qualifications, merit, and abilities and we encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.  

 

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references.  Interested and qualified candidates are requested to apply immediately because this competition will close immediately as soon as a successful candidate is found.

 

INNOTECH ALBERTA IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

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