Research Associate - Vancouver, Canada - University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia

Verified Company

Vancouver, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate

Department

Research Group | Merida Labs | Department Mechanical Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science (Walter Mérida)

Posting End Date

April 15, 2023

Note:
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job Summary

The

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MéridaLabs

MéridaLabs

, we are looking for a motivated and solution-oriented incumbent to support the engineering, pilot demonstration and scale-up of the low-emission hydrogen production technology developed in

MéridaLabs

The technology is based on methane thermal cracking to produce lowemission hydrogen at a low cost.

Organizational Status

This position operates at

MéridaLabs

in the

Department of Mechanical Engineering

at the University of British Columbia, and reports to Dr. Walter Mérida, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UBC and the leader of MéridaLabs. The incumbent may be assigned to work under supervision of other senior management team member in

MéridaLabs

The role will also interact frequently with EPC contractors, project stakeholders and funding agencies during project execution, and will liaise with staff in other areas of the University (procurement, finance, legal) as required.

Work Performed- Work with engineers, researchers, contractors and project partners to develop and review the process design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operation of the hydrogen generation pilot plant;- Monitor, expedite and coordinate procurement, construction, installation, commissioning and troubleshooting of equipment and processes of the hydrogen generation pilot plant;- Manage the project and relationships with contractors and partners to ensure cost-effective, safe, and timely completion of the project; Tasks will include cost management, schedule management and change management throughout the project;- Provide leadership as the accountable research associate by liaising with various stakeholders and consultants and conveying timely information with respect to the project status, ongoing issues, progress updates, challenges and opportunities;- Maintain and track billings, reports, engineering deliverables and other documentations; Set up and maintain a document control system for the project;- Liaise with regulatory bodies to obtain appropriate safety and/or environmental permits and certifications of the project; Participate in process hazard analysis (PHA) studies and/or environmental assessments as required;- Develop and compile RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, bid tabs, purchase orders, project agreements, commercial terms and payment mechanisms to procure equipment, materials and services for the hydrogen generation pilot plant;- Prepare grant proposals and develop partnerships to secure funding for technology scale-up and commercialization;- Perform other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position will work independently and is required to exercise sound judgment in management of all aspects of the project(s), including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and operation of the pilot demonstration plant.

Cost control, schedule control, proposal and report preparation are essential for this position. This position will be responsible for the operation of the day-to-day administration and the on-time delivery of the project(s).

Errors in judgment could adversely impact schedule and cost of the project(s), as well as funding levels and institutional reputation.

The consequences of error could lead to delayed launch, interruption, or cancellation of projects.

Supervision Received

The research associate receives mínimal supervision but works collaboratively with the researchers and staff in MéridaLabs. The research associate reports to Dr. Walter Mérida, professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UBC and the leader of MéridaLabs.

Supervision Given

The research associate will provide supervision to the students and junior research staff in

MéridaLabs

He or she will work collaboratively with stakeholders (industry, academia, and government), staff, researchers and faculty members to accomplish the tasks specified. He or she will utilize the appropriate management and supervision substructures to distribute the work and ensure the timely completion of projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.
D.

degree in Engineering or Applied Science with a minimum of five years of related industry experience, or the equivalent combination of education and industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

D. degree in Engineering or a relevant discipline. A Ph.
D. degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

A minimum of five years of experience involving a broad range of engineering, operational, and administrative responsibilities.
Working knowledge of process design and the execution of major energy proje