Senior Research Associate

University of Toronto•Toronto, ON

1d•CA$62,617 - CA$127,112

About The Position

The Nano(materials)–Bio Interactions Lab, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applications for a Senior Research Associate. The lab investigates interactions among nanomaterials, bacteria, biofilms, and plant-root systems using interdisciplinary approaches in chemistry, nanotechnology, microbiology, materials characterization, imaging, and microfluidics. Current research includes nanoplastic–microbe and nanoplastic–root interactions, antimicrobial nanomaterials, bacterial attachment to plant roots, and bacterial responses to material properties. The successful candidate will contribute to research across the lab, with primary responsibility for a multidisciplinary project examining how environmentally relevant agricultural nanoplastics affect beneficial bacteria, plant–microbe interactions, rhizosphere function, and crop resilience. This is a 30% FTE part-time continuing appointment, with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2026. This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promotediversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity& Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experiencedinequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome andencourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Requirements

A PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline.
At least four years of postdoctoral research experience.
Demonstrated research excellence in a relevant area, such as nanomaterials, nanoplastics, environmental nanoscience, microbiology, biofilms, plant–microbe interactions, or biomaterials.
A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience designing and conducting research independently, troubleshooting experiments, and interpreting multidisciplinary data.
Experience preparing manuscripts, presentations, reports, or research proposals.
Experience supervising or mentoring research trainees.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and a respectful and collegial workplace.

Nice To Haves

Nanoparticle or polymer characterization, including dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, or surface analysis.
Bacterial culture, biofilm assays, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, plant-root systems, or rhizosphere microbiology.
Atomic force microscopy, confocal or time-lapse microscopy, force spectroscopy, or microfluidics.
Coordination of multidisciplinary research projects or preparation of collaborative grant applications and reports.

Responsibilities

Help design, conduct, analyze, interpret, and communicate research, with an emphasis on the nanoplastics project.
Coordinate experiments involving nanoplastics, bacteria, biofilms, plant roots, root exudates, and plant–microbe systems.
Develop and optimize experimental protocols and ensure appropriate controls, data quality, reproducibility, and accurate record keeping.
Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, technical reports, grant applications, and reports to research partners and funding agencies.
Support project planning, data management, collaborative activities, and completion of project milestones.
Train and supervise graduate students, undergraduate researchers, research assistants, and other trainees.
Assist with laboratory operations, safety, protocol documentation, and instrument training.
Collaborate with academic, government, and industry research partners.