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Research Associate - Chemical Reactor Modeling, Emulation and Multi-Unit Optimization of Microphotosynthetic Fuel Cells

Last updated: September 29, 2023, 9:22 a.m.

Position

Research Associate under the CARE Union at Concordia University

Salary

$26.68 to $36.94 per hour

Hours/week

37.5 hours per week

Duration

1 year

Start Date

Possibly November 2023

Principal Investigators or Immediate Supervisors

Dr. M. Packirisamy, Dr. P. Pillay and Dr. R. Sedaghati

Location

1515 Ste Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6

Unit

Optical Bio Microsystems Lab/Power Lab/Optimization Lab at Concordia University

Application Period

September 28, 2023 to October 12, 2023

Scope

The Optical Bio Microsystems Laboratory, the Centre for Urban and Renewable Electrical Energy and the Optimization Laboratory of Concordia University are conducting pioneering research dedicated to advancing foundational and translational technologies in renewable energies, photosynthetic power cells, modeling of fuel cell modeling, emulation of fuel cells, optimization of complex systems and integration of technologies.  

Job Overview

Optical Bio Microsystems Laboratory, Center for urban and renewable electrical energy and Optimization Laboratory at Concordia University is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to the collaborative research project on modeling, control, simulation and multi-variable optimization of bioelectrical cells, especially the photosynthetic power cell using multiple renewable sources.

This Research Associate will support the ongoing research collaboration that on the one hand involves mathematical aspects such as modeling, simulation, process control and multi variable optimization, while on the other hand understanding of chemical, biological and electrical elements present in the system. The candidate will be facilitating both internal and external collaborations investigating the interface between multiple disciplines and multiple mathematical tools.

The Research Associate will play a pivotal role in Optical Bio Microsystems Laboratory, Center for urban and renewable electrical energy and Optimization Laboratory of Concordia University, and integrating them for the study and maturing of photosynthetic power cell based technologies. The candidate must demonstrate initiative, drive, and accountability. Reporting to and working closely with Dr M. Packirisamy, Dr P. Pillay and Dr. R. Sedaghati, the Platform Coordinator will assume the following responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with Optical Bio Microsystems Laboratory, Center for urban and renewable electrical energy and Optimization Laboratory.
  • Guidance of graduate students and researchers in modeling, simulation , process control and optimization.
  • Develop models of microphotosynthetic cell using microbial fuel cell reactor concepts.
  • Develop simulation methods for microphotosynthetic cell towards the goal of optimal power production.
  • Leading integration of activities of Optical Bio Microsystems Laboratory, Center for urban and renewable electrical energy and Optimization Laboratory
  • Verification and fine tuning of model with experimental test results on microphotosynthetic cell
  • Provide scientific mentorship and technical training.
  • Prepare and deliver engaging presentations at conferences and scientific meetings to effectively communicate the research findings, capabilities, and advancements.
  • Perform and oversee day-to-day research activities.
  • Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and contribute to multiple concurrent projects while adhering to project deadlines and reporting cycles.

Qualifications

  • PhD and minimum five years of experience in fuel cell modeling, reactor modeling and multi parameter optimization
  • A minimum of five years of pertinent work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in microbial/fuel cell modeling and optimization
  • Proficiency in chemical reactor modeling and various optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with academic laboratory setting is important.
  • Experience with student and lab training is an asset.
  • Programming and optimization skills are an asset.
  • Demonstrated passion for microbial and fuel cell modeling with chemical engineering reactor fundamentals is desired.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, along with the names and contact information of three referees, and a cover letter via email to: mpackir@encs.concordia.ca.

The continuation and renewal of an Employee’s appointment is contingent on the research needs as determined by the Principal Investigator or Immediate Supervisor as well as funding, operational requirements or academic needs.

Concordia University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.

The Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science is ranked among the top 10 engineering schools in Canada. The School is home to over 10,000 engineering and computer science students and a faculty complement of 235 faculty members. The School has about 4,500 graduate students enrolled in 35 graduate programs. Its research profile continues to grow as it fosters multidisciplinary approaches to finding solutions to a broad range of societal challenges. Concordia University and the School attract a high quality, diverse student population in all its programs. For more information on the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, please visit: www.concordia.ca/ginacody.

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, on the traditional lands and waters of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

 Building on the skills of our faculty and the strengths of Indigenous, local, and global partnerships, we set our sights further and more broadly than others and align the quality of learning opportunities to larger trends and substantial challenges facing society.

 “Concordia is a young, forward-looking university. It’s a unique place where experimentation, innovation and creativity are truly valued. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni all contribute to our momentum as Canada’s next-gen university.” — Concordia President Graham Carr.

Profoundly global, Concordia is North America’s top university under the age of 50 and is recognized for attracting some of the most talented faculty and students from around the world. Driven by ambition, innovation and a commitment to reconciliation, research and community engagement, Concordia is celebrated for advancing transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact.

Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, is exceptional; safe, vibrant and diverse, with new things to discover around every corner. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather and conduct our activities. With a population of 1.7 million, Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is home to four major universities and several clinical research centres and has been named the best student city in the world. It offers the most affordable tuition in Canada.

The city enjoys a thriving multicultural scene. Bilingualism is a part of Montreal’s tradition and adds to its inspiring atmosphere. While supporting a significant anglophone population, it is the one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world.

Montreal is famed for its innovative culinary scene and festivals. It was also the first metropolis to be designated a UNESCO City of Design by the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity.

The city is recognized globally as an important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, gaming and film.

Territorial Acknowledgement

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Employment Equity

Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.

Immigration Status

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applications must include one of the following statements: 

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

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