OCCAM- Surface Characterization Technician

Date Posted: 11/04/2025

Req ID: 45880

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Department: Dept of Chemical Eng.& Applied Chemistry

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Position Number:

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto's Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry is one of the most research-intensive departments in North America, with an outstanding international reputation. Our vision statement, 'Through leading edge research and education we integrate chemistry, biology and engineering to drive solutions for global challenges in energy, the environment and health' reinforces our commitment to both research and education.

The Open Centre for Characterization of Advanced Materials ) (OCCAM) at the University of Toronto is a highly successful, CFI-funded institutional core facility supporting the research of 300 groups in both the public and private sectors. Established in 2016, it comprises a comprehensive suite of advanced analytical tools for surface analysis and electron microscopy.

With a track-record of excellence in research support across a broad array of fields, training of more than 1,000 HQP, and development of new technologies for characterization, OCCAM is among premier facilities for cutting-edge materials characterization by advancing research across energy, biomedicine, and sustainability.

We take pride in our teaching excellence, advanced research facilities, and development of distinguished scientists in the past and for the future. The available resources in the Department, combined with our ambition and excitement, create an ideal place to work, research, and make an impact in scientific education.

Your opportunity:

Under the general supervision of the Facility Director, The Open Centre for Characterization of Advanced Materials (OCCAM), this position is responsible for providing support functions to the OCCAM (Surface Science) facility.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collecting experimental data, verifying results and passing on findings
• Setting-up lab/workshop according to research and/or course schedules
• Troubleshooting routine equipment repairs
• Constructing proof of concept experiments to test different elements of the process
• Preparing, assembling and setting-up material, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs
• Collaborating on cost estimates
• Serving as a technical resource on laboratory protocols, and experimental procedures and equipment

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years of recent and related experience in surface chemistry and instrumental chemical analysis in a characterization lab in the university or industrial research setting
• Experience in the field of XPS including operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of XPS spectrometers and associated peripheral equipment
• Experience with experiment development and implementation; including specific knowledge and understanding of the theory and principles of XPS as they pertain to surface analysis.
• Experience conducting training sessions on XPS instrument operation.
• Experience with standard health and safety guidelines and maintaining general orderliness in a laboratory environment.
• Excellent lab equipment maintenance skills and troubleshooting skillsfor hardware and software related to XPS instrumentation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced computers skills and proficiency with MS Office.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain instrument operation by prioritizing maintenance duties and managing time efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and effectively while under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate proficiently with a wide range of students, post-doctoral fellow (PDF) researchers, faculty, staff and other users of the lab.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must have initiative, sound judgement, diplomacy and discretion.

Assets (Nonessential):

• MASc or MEng in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering or Chemistry is strongly preferred.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Approachable
• Communicator
• Diplomatic
• Multi-tasker
• Resourceful

This role is not currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto's Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Closing Date: 11/18/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:

USW Pay Band 09 - $67,916. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $86,855. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Engineering / Technical

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.