Job Summary
The School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is excited to invite applications for three Graduate Student Assistant positions to lead cutting-edge research in the design and development of solid-state lithium batteries under the supervision of Dr. Jian Liu. The positions focus on three distinct areas of solid-state battery technology.
Research Areas
(1) Solid-State Sulfur and Tellurium-Sulfur Batteries
This project focuses on developing solid-state sulfur and tellurium-sulfur cathodes, optimizing full-cell chemistry and performance in coin cells, and fabricating/testing pouch cells. This research is part of an extended collaboration with a local high-purity metal manufacturer.
(2) Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
The candidate in this area will focus on the screening, development, testing, and integration of gel polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries, particularly tailored for medical device applications, in collaboration with a local medical battery manufacturer.
(3) Solid-State Coin Cells for Smart Wearables
This position involves designing and developing solid-state lithium coin cells for powering sensors and actuators in smart wearables, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Alberta.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize new electrodes and electrolytes for solid-state batteries
- Refine manufacturing techniques for solid-state batteries
- Prepare clear and concise written and oral presentations of data, analyses, and reports
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at national and international conferences
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates, seek guidance, and make informed decisions
- Manage recurring tasks while contributing to collaborative projects
Location
These positions are based at UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC.
Minimum Qualifications
- A MASc (or equivalent) in materials science, electrochemistry, chemistry, or a related field, completed within the past 3 years
- Substantial research experience in battery technologies
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
- A high level of motivation, organization, and a passion for battery research
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment, including mentoring and team-building
- A keen interest in conducting transformational research in partnership with industry
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
How to Apply
All applicants must provide the following information in a single pdf document to Jian.liu@ubc.ca:
- Detailed CV
- Transcripts and English certificates (if applicable)
- Contract information for three references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Due to the anticipated number of applications to be received, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted (within ~ 1 month).
Application
Candidates with exceptional experience in the above directions are welcome to send Dr. Liu their CVs with their qualifications (should mention medium of instruction) and research interests. Applications are assessed and interviewed on a rolling basis. Students from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities, are welcome to apply.
Resources for prospective students and postdoctoral fellows
- Student awards and scholarships opportunities at UBC-O (undergraduate, graduate, and international students)
- NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master’s (CGS D) program (Master’s)
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships-Doctoral Program (PGS D) program (Ph.D.)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program (Ph.D.)
- China Scholarship Council (CSC) program (international visiting students and doctoral scholars) – kindly contact Dr. Liu directly to support your application, and refer to CSC – UBC Doctoral Scholarships for academic and language requirements.
- Mitacs program (undergrads, graduate, doctoral, and international visiting students)
- About UBC Okanagan Campus and School of Engineering (SoE)
- About Kelowna, BC
Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate or PDF Applications
First of all, let me sincerely thank everyone for taking the time to prepare your application and send me an email. I assure you that your application is well received and assessed.
I have wanted to add this section to my website for a long time to give all applicants information about graduate position applications in my group, especially for those not receiving my responses. I am providing answers to questions frequently asked by the applicants below or clarifications on some potential questions I think you might have as a graduating student looking for new opportunities. These are my opinions and apply to those applying for my research group only.
1. Do I need to send the supervisor reminder about my previous email/application in case his/she misses my emails?
No.
2. What do I expect after sending the application to the supervisor?
For graduate students, you would expect a response in one week for follow-up questions or setting up interviews if the supervisor sees a fit of your profile into our ongoing projects. If you receive no responses in one week, please move on with your application and life. No need to send me a reminder email. I usually assess the applicant’s profile when checking my email every day.
3. Why haven’t I gotten any responses from the potential supervisor?
Due to the large volume of emails received for graduate applications every week (like many of my colleagues), the supervisor only sends responses to those possibly fitting into the existing research projects.
4. What should I write in my email to the supervisor?
I strongly suggest the applicants review our recent publications to develop some levels of understanding of our ongoing research and indicate 1) what are your technical strengths, 2) how your experience might contribute to our research, and/or 3) research ideas/directions you want to pursue if joining my group. It is better to tailor your email and application to the group you are applying for to better articulate and market yourself instead of sending the generic email to every professor in the department or in the fields across universities.
5. Do you accept self-funded graduate students?
No. All of our students are either offered full scholarships at UBCO or have secured external scholarships from various sources, such as CSC, NSERC, etc.
6. Is there a specific deadline for a graduate position application?
We are recruiting top-mind and highly-motivated students on a rolling basis; hence, no deadline.