Graduate Student Assistant

Job Category

Student Employee

Job Title

Graduate Student Assistant

Department

UBCO | Postdoctoral Research Support | J. Liu | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Posting End Date

March 22, 2026

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

Job End Date

April 30, 2030

The expected pay for this position is $30,000/year

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

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

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.

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.

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