Staff Research Scientist, Organic Synthesis, Term 2 - Toronto, Canada - University of Toronto

University of Toronto

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Date Posted:02/29/2024

Req ID: 36247

Faculty/Division:
Faculty of Arts & Science

Department:
Acceleration Consortium

Campus:
St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Acceleration Consortium (AC) promotes an inclusive research environment and supports the EDI priorities of the unit.

**_

The Acceleration Consortium received a $200M Canadian First Research Excellence Grant for seven years to develop self-driving labs for chemistry and materials, the largest ever grant to a Canadian University.

This grant will provide the Acceleration Consortium with seven years of funding to execute its vision

The AC is developing seven advanced SDLs plus an AI and Automation lab:

SDL
Inorganic solid-state compounds for advanced materials and energy
SDL

- Organic small molecules for sustainability and health

- Formulations for pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and coatings

- Biocompatibility with organoids / organ-on-a-chip

- Synthetic scale-up of materials and molecules (University of British Colombia partner lab)

A central AI and Automation lab to support all the SDLs

This posted position is for a Staff Research Scientist (Term, 2 years) within SDL2: Organic

Expertise that is desired:

Organic small molecules expertise

Multistep synthesis and purification of complex small molecules
Highthroughput organic synthesis, purification, and processing
Characterization of small molecules using a variety of techniques
Enabling synthetic technologies (e.g., flow chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, etc.)

Additional expertise that is desired (but not required):

Artificial intelligence / automation expertise

Machine learning to accelerate the discovery of molecules and materials
Robotics and automation
Experimental planning and design/optimization
Programming and highperformance computing.

The Staff Research Scientists will work with a diverse team of leading experts at U of T, including: Professors Alán Aspuru-Guzik, Sophie Rousseaux, and more.

We are hiring both Staff Scientists and Staff Research Scientists. While Staff Scientists are expected to have 5 or more years of post-PhD experience, individuals with a relevant Ph.
D. and associated expertise can qualify for Staff Research Scientist.

The Staff Research Scientists involved in the AC are highly skilled and experienced researchers who will work independently to develop the AI and automation technologies required to build robust and scalable self-driving labs, manage these SDLs, and design and implement research programs (based on the direction of the AC's scientific leadership team) that leverage the SDL platforms to discover materials and molecules.

Moreover, the Staff Research Scientists will work collectively, sharing knowledge among each other, faculty, and trainees. This role will report to the Academic Director and Executive Director of the Acceleration Consortium.

The components and duties of the work can include:

SDL and Automation Development

Working with the AC community, including faculty and partners, to determine the required capabilities of the SDLs to be built.

Developing the plans for SDLs that will meet user requirements and designing novel instruments for automated material synthesis and characterization.

Developing customized hardware and Python software packages to build SDLs. Selecting, procurement, and installation of the equipment required for SDLs.
-
Research Direction

Tasks include:

Implementing research and development projects of AC's industry partners when implemented in AC labs.
Developing plans that support research collaborations and planning and estimating financial resources required for programs and/or projects.
Working with Product Managers to ensure research outcomes meet partner requirements.
Promoting AC's research capacity, including delivering presentations at conferences.
Collaboration in the preparation and submission of research proposals to granting agencies and progress reporting.
Preparing manuscripts for submission to peerreviewed publications/journals and stewarding them through the process.

-
Other

Support researchfocused events such as the Annual Symposium

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education - Ph.
D. engineering, chemistry, physics, computer science, or related discipline

Experience

1 to 5 years of experience (inclusive of PhD and/or postgraduate work) in accelerated research and development with demonstrated academic and research excellence
Experience working with industry partners and on industry lead research and development projects.
Expert knowledge of AI and automation and experience with the development of selfdriving laboratories
Experience presenting research at academic conferences.

Skills