Research Associate (SDL1, One-year Term)
Toronto, ON, Canada
CAD 53,520-100,350 / year
Research Associate (SDL1, One-year Term)
Date Posted: 06/17/2026
Req ID: 48633
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Acceleration Consortium
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00056239
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Description:
The Acceleration Consortium at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Research Associate (Limited Term) for a 1-year appointment. The anticipated start date is August 1st 2026.
The Acceleration Consortium (AC) at the University of Toronto (U of T) is leading a transformative shift in scientific discovery that will accelerate technology development and commercialization. The AC is a global community of academia, industry, and government that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, materials sciences, and high-throughput chemistry to create self-driving laboratories (SDLs). These autonomous labs rapidly design materials and molecules needed for a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future, with applications ranging from renewable energy and consumer electronics to drugs.
The Acceleration Consortium (AC) promotes an inclusive research environment and supports the EDI priorities of the unit.
The Acceleration Consortium received a $200M Canadian First Research Excellence Grant for seven years to develop self-driving labs for chemistry and materials, the largest ever grant to a Canadian University. This grant will provide the Acceleration Consortium with seven years of funding to execute its vision.
This posted position is for a role within the AC’s SDL1 (Inorganic Materials).
Supporting and under the guidance of Staff Scientists / Senior Staff Scientist, the Research Associate is expected to carry out and contribute to research projects, by way of their expertise, in the areas below.
- Apply machine learning methods to experimental datasets and train models for autonomous materials discovery workflows.
- Establish systematic data collection, curation, and management practices across synthesis, processing, and characterization workflows.
- Operate, maintain, and improve characterization workflows involving XPS, XRD, SEM, and related tools.
- Develop robotic and automated workflows to enable reproducible, high-throughput materials characterization.
- Work closely with scientists to advance characterization, data interpretation, and application demonstration testing across projects.
- Support the development, integration, and continuous improvement of automated inorganic materials discovery platforms.
Applicants should apply online at the link below and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and three reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Sean Caffrey (sean.caffrey@utoronto.ca).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education - PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or equivalent
Experience – Minimum 1 year of experience in conducting research projects in inorganic and soft materials synthesis and characterization
Skills – Inorganic and soft materials synthesis and characterization (spectroscopic and electrical), x-ray diffraction experimental workflow develop and analysis
Additional skills required include project management, leadership and interpersonal skills to assist in the guidance and implementation of the research project that is comprised of a multi-disciplinary and international team of scholars.
Closing Date: 06/26/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.
Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.
Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.
The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.
Job Segment: Research Scientist, Sustainability, Materials Science, Research Associate, Science, Research, Energy