The Electrical & Software Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Schulich School of Engineering. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Senior Research Associate supports the Quantum Technology and Engineering (QuTE) Lab within the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, and reports to the Principal Investigator. Working under limited supervision, the incumbent leads the day-to-day technical operations of the QuTE Lab and directs a small team in coordinating and building complex experiments involving cryogenic, vacuum, microwave, and optical systems.

The role involves collaboration with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, and external partners, and includes contributing to research development, data analysis, and dissemination of results. Occasional travel to national or international facilities may be required, and the incumbent may represent the lab at international conferences and collaborator meetings.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Facility Construction, Operation, and Maintenance

• Lead the day-to-day technical operations of the QuTE Lab, ensuring continuous and reliable performance of cryogenic, optical, and microwave systems.
• Build, maintain, calibrate, and document specialized research instrumentation, coordinating repairs, service contracts, and infrastructure upgrades as required.
• Develop, update, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols in alignment with University and regulatory standards.
• Monitor and manage laboratory resources, including consumables, components, and technical infrastructure, to support uninterrupted research activities.

Technical Development and Experimentation

• Design, construct, and optimize complex experimental setups supporting research on quantum optical devices for advanced sensing and communications.
• Lead a team in building and integrating new instrumentation, subsystems, and control electronics for cryogenic and photonic experiments.
• Independently identify and resolve technical challenges through analytical thinking and creative engineering solutions.
• Develop and implement improvements to experimental hardware and measurement techniques that enhance data quality, reproducibility, and efficiency.

Research Support and Collaboration

• Execute the Principal Investigator's research vision by supporting and contributing to all ongoing experiments in the lab.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, and external partners on shared research objectives and joint projects.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, assisting in the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and technical presentations.
• Represent the lab at conferences and collaborator meetings, communicating technical results and research progress to the scientific community.

HQP Training and Mentorship

• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in experimental methods, equipment use, and laboratory best practices.
• Provide hands-on training in the operation of specialized instruments, data acquisition, and analysis techniques.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive research environment, encouraging professional development and technical skill growth among HQP.

Administrative and Strategic Support

• Assist in the preparation of research proposals, progress reports, and facility documentation, ensuring technical accuracy and completeness.
• Track and report on equipment performance, maintenance schedules, and operational milestones.
• Support the planning and implementation of facility upgrades and new experimental capabilities in alignment with the lab's strategic priorities.
• Contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of the QuTE Lab through continuous improvement of infrastructure, documentation, and technical processes.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Electrical Engineering, with a strong background in quantum physics and experimentation.
• Minimum of five years of relevant post-graduation experience in a research or technical environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of cryogenic, vacuum, and optical systems, including hands-on experience designing and troubleshooting complex instrumentation.
• Proven ability to work efficiently and independently under minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Experience coordinating and supporting multiple concurrent experiments in a research-intensive laboratory environment.
• Experience supervising and mentoring students and technical personnel (HQP), fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative research culture.
• Strong record of technical innovation and problem solving, with evidence of contributions to research publications, reports, or conference presentations.
• Familiarity with university research environments, project documentation, and funding-agency requirements.
• Advanced understanding of cryogenic, optical, and microwave systems, as well as related data-acquisition tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills, with attention to detail and experimental precision.
• Excellent independent problem-solving ability and capacity to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and external partners.
• Demonstrated initiative, efficiency, and reliability in developing experimental methods and maintaining high technical standards.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, and mentorship, supporting the professional development of trainees and colleagues.