Research Associate (3-Year Term) - Multifunctional Composites Manufacturing Laboratory (MCML)

Research Associate (3-Year Term) - Multifunctional Composites Manufacturing Laboratory (MCML)

Date Posted: 03/17/2026
Req ID:47378
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

 

Description:

 

Description

 

The Multifunctional Composites Manufacturing Laboratory (MCML) in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE) at the University of Toronto is seeking to appoint a Research Associate (Limited Term) to support research and technology development in advanced polymer composites, multifunctional materials, and sustainable lightweight structures.

 

The Research Associate will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, and will play a central role in coordinating research activities within the MCML research program. The position will support multidisciplinary projects focused on bio-inspired hierarchical composites, sustainable polymer materials, and advanced manufacturing approaches for high-performance structural and functional applications.

 

The position will involve close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, including projects focused on scalable composite manufacturing and commercialization pathways for advanced materials technologies.

 

Responsibilities

 

• Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals.
• Lead research activities on the design, synthesis, and manufacturing of hierarchical polymer composites incorporating nanofillers such as graphene nanoplatelets, halloysite nanotubes, lignocellulosic fibers, and other multifunctional reinforcements. 
• Develop and optimize polymer composite systems with enhanced mechanical performance, thermal management capability, and multifunctional properties.
• Coordinate collaborative research projects with industrial partners focused on advanced materials development and scalable manufacturing processes for automotive and structural applications.
• Support commercialization efforts for patented materials technologies through collaboration with industry partners and preparation of technical documentation and performance reports.
• Conduct materials characterization and performance evaluation using advanced techniques for mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, and structure-property relationship assessment.
• Prepare and contribute to high-impact peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations in the fields of advanced materials and polymer composites.
• Contribute to the preparation and development of research proposals and funding applications, including major collaborative grants with industry and international partners.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and trainees working on advanced materials research projects.
• Assist in laboratory coordination and training activities to support a collaborative research environment and effective operation of advanced materials research facilities.
• Contribute to the strategic development of research initiatives within MCML, including interdisciplinary collaborations and emerging materials technologies.

 
Minimum Qualifications

 

Education

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with specialization in polymer composites or advanced materials.

Experience 

• Minimum of three years’ experience with the following:
• Demonstrated research experience in polymer nanocomposites, hybrid composite materials, and hierarchical material architectures.
• Experience in polymer processing and composite manufacturing methods relevant to structural and functional materials.
• Experience collaborating with industrial partners on applied materials research and technology development.
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers in laboratory research environments.
• Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and research funding proposals.

 
Skills

 

• Expertise in polymer nanocomposites, multifunctional hybrid composites, and microstructural materials design. 
• Knowledge of advanced materials characterization techniques and structure-property relationships in polymer-based materials.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project coordination skills.
  o Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated success in preparing scientific manuscripts and research reports.
  o Ability to develop interdisciplinary collaborations with academic and industry partners.
  o Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and fostering a collaborative research environment.

 

Other

 

o Ability to work independently while coordinating complex collaborative research projects. 
o Strong initiative and attention to detail.
o Ability to manage multiple research activities simultaneously and contribute to long-term research program development.

 

 

Closing Date: 03/25/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

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 ?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuoft.me%2FUP&module=jobs&id=61348" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuoft.me%2FUP&module=jobs&id=61348" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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.careersutoronto.ca .

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