Research Assistant/Technician 3 – Nuclear Fusion Research

About the role

The University of British Columbia’s Berlinguette Lab is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician 3 to join the Thunderbird team, which focuses on bench‑top nuclear fusion experiments. You will contribute to the development and operation of the Thunderbird Reactor, a platform for studying deuterium‑deuterium fusion in palladium targets.

Key responsibilities

• Support construction, upgrades, and expansion of the Thunderbird Reactor.
• Collaborate on modelling reactor parameters, theoretical calculations, and physics simulations for thermal processes.
• Build and assemble mechanical and vacuum components, and assist with reactor commissioning and licensing activities.
• Participate in reactor operation, design experimental campaigns, and conduct fusion experiments.
• Analyze experimental data to identify opportunities for improving reactor efficiency.

Required profile

• University degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience working in a research laboratory, preferably with vacuum or plasma systems.
• Ability to work safely with high‑voltage and high‑vacuum equipment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for collaboration with researchers and staff.

Required skills

• Plasma‑immersion ion implantation (PIII) techniques.
• Electrochemical cell operation for deuterium loading.
• Reactor design and mechanical assembly.
• Vacuum system setup and maintenance.
• Data analysis and physics simulation tools.

What we offer

• Competitive monthly salary ranging from $4,757.00 to $5,187.00 CAD.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge nuclear fusion research in a collaborative academic environment.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and professional development support.