Research Engineer

University of British Columbia

jobsincanada.one

Staff – Non Union

Job Category

M&P – AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried – Research and Facilitation, Level C

Job Title

Research Engineer

Department

Research Group jobsincanada.one Merida Labs jobsincanada.one Department Mechanical Engineering jobsincanada.one Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range

$5,906.25 – $8,508.42 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date

February 28, 2023

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

Mar 12, 2024

Job Summary
Our group,

MéridaLabs

at the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus, is looking for a motivated and solution-oriented Research Engineer (RE) to lead the group’s energy systems research pillar. Our energy systems research encompasses breakthrough technologies, policy, energy conversion, new business models, techno-economic analyses and optimization, machine learning, AI, intelligent networks, among others. This position will be funded in part through the generous support of the Daniel Family Foundation.

We have received funding from Federal and Provincial governments, and our industrial partners, to deploy a

renewable energy hub

. This

city-scale testbed

will allow us to develop new sustainable technologies and economic models for individuals, cities and utilities. The testbed will serve as a platform for applied research and technology testing, the investigation and development of new business models for energy transactions, and for technology showcase and education. As a crucial component of the role, the RE will be responsible for the testbed data management, and for maintaining the servers, the high-performance computers and any software related occurrences. Skills and competencies in the development of digital twins and related machine learning models will be essential. In addition to this platform, we have partnered with Indro Robotics, Rogers, Honeywell, Canada Post and the Vancouver International Airport to develop and deploy autonomous drones. The RE will be managing this research program with support of the research managers and postdoctoral fellows.

In parallel, as the team leader of the MéridaLabs energy systems research pillar, the RE will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge solutions to advance the group’s portfolio of new technologies, and manage teams of engineers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students working on these objectives. In this capacity, the RE will supervise and coordinate the production of high-quality and impactful research in energy systems.
Interested candidates with a Ph.D. degree or equivalent professional experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields with at least 5 years of experience as postdoctoral fellows or project managers are encouraged to apply. Applications, including a cover letter stating the applicant’s research interests, a detailed curriculum vitae must be submitted online through the UBC Careers webpage.
This position will be located at the

UBC Vancouver

campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Organizational Status
The RE will report to PI Prof. Mérida and to the Senior Program Manager at MéridaLabs.
Work Performed
Research and Development
  • Leads and develops the energy systems research pillar at MéridaLabs. Responsible for developing new research areas, setting priorities and goals and preparing budgets and forecasting requirements for these, with a focus on leveraging the testbed asset.
  • Responsible for identifying potential stakeholders, understanding stakeholder challenges and establishing collaborative ventures towards future projects and solutions.
  • Oversees and maintains testbed data access and management, servers, high performance computers and software.
  • Leads the development of testbed digital twin and machine learning models to be implemented in the digital twin, to support related research projects.
Strategy and Project Management
  • Defines and manages projects, from conception to final reporting, to advance the MéridaLabs energy systems research portfolio.
  • Responsible for identifying suitable and appropriate research funding mechanisms, developing research networks, prepare research funding proposals to support research projects, and recruiting for and staffing projects.
  • Develops and manages planned growth via leading and managing collaborative research teams; reviews research productivity and results against established goals of the project and providing direction
  • Manages and develops multi-recipient research collaborations across institutions and research groups (local, provincial, national, and international) who have common research goals and objectives in the area of energy systems.
  • Provides leadership and direction to project stakeholders, both internal and external, setting priorities and goals to ensure project objectives are met within established timelines and budgets.
Research Support Services
  • Oversees production and ensure high standards of publications including, but not limited to, patents, journal and white papers.
  • Identifies appropriate venues (journals, conference etc.) for the publication and dissemination of research results.
  • Supports graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the preparation of journal manuscripts (critical feedback, writing, editing).
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The RE will work independently, in collaboration with Prof. Mérida and the Research Managers. The incumbent is required to exercise sound judgment in management, staffing, proposal and report preparation, and in interfacing with MéridaLabs partners and networks. Poor decisions could damage the reputation of and cause financial loss to MéridaLabs, the department, and partner institutions. This position is accountable for the quality of publications and research stemming from the energy systems pillar. Poor communication and facilitation skills could negatively impact the success of research collaborations. The consequences of error could lead to delayed launch, interruption, or cancellation of the projects.
Supervision Received
The RE will be a self-starter and work independently, under the supervision of Prof. Mérida.
Supervision Given
The RE will form and lead multi-function, cross-disciplinary project research teams to implement initiatives to achieve MéridaLabs business development goals. Teams will comprise researchers, postdoctoral research fellows, administrative staff, students, collaborators, and industry.
Minimum Qualifications
For research work, a post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation with a minimum of four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong technical experience in transportation systems modeling (linear, MILP, convex optimization, transportation systems, energy efficiency and modeling, feasibility analysis) is preferred.
  • In-depth expertise in digital technologies, strong presentation and writing skills, and a track record of publications in high-impact journals is an asset
  • A combination of working knowledge and experience in conducting research, directing research teams, and supporting collaborative, multi-institutional research groups an asset.
  • Excellent communication and problem solving skills are required for bridging technical, linguistic and cultural differences to ensure the most effective engagement with all stakeholders.
  • Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with senior level academics, researchers, UBC administration, government agencies, external stakeholders and partners.
  • Proven ability to write scientific and technical papers.
  • Ability to work effectively with teams as well as independently.
  • Ability to identify, summarize and convey key results from scientific, statistical, and quantitative research findings.
  • Ability to conduct needs analyses, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.
  • Ability to effectively coordinate and oversee multiple work processes (e.g., multiple training and research projects).
  • Strong judgement, work ethic, and ability to maintain confidentiality, tact and discretion.
  • Extensive experience with computer programming tools and software, such as Python, Matlab, C++, etc. is preferred.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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