Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Synthetic Chemistry

About the role

The Gates Group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead synthetic chemistry work within a joint industry project funded by a MITACS Accelerate internship. The role involves designing, synthesizing, and characterising small molecules, monomers and polymers, and applying them to mineral extraction processes.

Key responsibilities

• Synthesize or source functional small molecules, monomers and polymers for the project.
• Perform and optimise mineral extractions from ores supplied by the industrial partner.
• Purify materials using ion‑exchange resins or similar separation techniques.
• Characterise molecules and polymers using NMR, IR, MS and other analytical tools.
• Analyse complex mixtures to quantify metal ions and organic compounds using LC‑MS, ESI‑MS, MALDI‑MS, TOC, ICP‑OES and DLS.
• Develop new synthetic and analytical methods to address partner‑specific challenges.
• Serve as the primary scientific contact for internal and external stakeholders and provide monthly reports.
• Mentor junior researchers and ensure a safe, clean laboratory environment.

Required profile

• PhD in Synthetic Chemistry (inorganic, organic or polymer chemistry).
• Experience with air‑sensitive synthesis and purification of small molecules or polymers.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with industry and academic partners.
• Eligibility to participate as a MITACS Accelerate Intern at the PDF level.

Required skills

• Synthesis of inorganic/organic small molecules and polymers.
• Air‑sensitive handling techniques.
• Ion‑exchange resin purification.
• NMR spectroscopy.
• Infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
• Mass spectrometry (MS), including LC‑MS, ESI‑MS, MALDI‑MS.
• Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis.
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‑OES).
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS).

What we offer

• 12‑month fixed‑term contract with possibility of extension.
• Competitive salary range $55,000‑$62,000 CAD per year.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Opportunity to work on industry‑relevant projects and publish high‑impact research.