RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

A research scientist is required to carry out research on environmental and food science related biofilms in the context of a new National Centre of Excellence, the Canadian Advanced Foods & Biomaterials Network (CAFBN).

 

Qualifications: PhD in the physical sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or a discipline with clear connections to either instrumentation or environmental biochemistry)

 Experience:

Required Skills:  Ability to work independently, with good oral and written communication skills is essential. Track record of managing projects, preparing publications and working in a multidisciplinary setting is needed. Expertise in ith one or more aspects biofilms, biological science, optical microscopy, NEXAFS spectroscopy, and/or the synchrotron environment

Useful skills: Prior experience in X-ray microscopy is not required but would be very helpful.

 Job Description: Affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at McMaster University, the holder of this position will carry out research on environmental and food science related biofilms using preparation techniques and confocal scanning laser microscopy in Saskatoon and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy at the Advanced Light Source (Berkeley) or at the Canadian Light Source (Saskatoon). The goal is to characterize the biochemical and morphological structure of a variety of biofilm samples in the wet state, and correlate that information with environmental stresses of the biofilm, such as toxic metals, organics, etc . The funding for this position will be from the Canadian Advanced Foods & Biomaterials Network (CAFBN), a recently approved, federally funded Network Centre of Excellence. The CAFBN project is entitled Correlative microscopic studies of structure - function relationships in bacterial biofilms
The research team consists of Adam Hitchcock, Chemistry, McMaster University (leader), Darren R. Korber, Applied Microbiology and Food Science, U. of Saskatchewan, John R. Lawrence, Gary G. Leppard National Water Research Institute (Saskatoon, Burlington).

Location: The majority of the time will be spent at the X-ray microscope (Berkeley) and in liasing, complementary studies at NWRI, Saskatoon.

Remuneration will be based on the qualification of the successful applicant.

Candidates should apply electronically or in writing with curriculum vitae, description of research interests, and names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three referees to:

 Applications will be considered as they are received. Position is open until filled.
A condition of employment will be that the candidate is eligible for extended stay as a scientific visitor in the USA, either as a US citizen (or equivalent), or by obtaining a J1 or other suitable category of visa