Research Assistant 2

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply. If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar). This part-time Research Assistant 2 position is in the research lab of Prof Kirk Bevan, in the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering Position Summary: The Research Assistant 2 will support an NSERC-funded project on quantum point defect design from first principles.

The incumbent will carry out data collection and analysis using established protocols on quantum point defects in nitride semiconductors, help prepare reports and manuscripts, and provide technical guidance to student research assistants.

Responsibilities

Conduct research activities using established protocols. This includes quantum point defect calculations using first-principles methods. Clean, manage and analyze data using Python scripts. Maintain research documentation records. Prepare summaries, figures and draft sections of reports and manuscripts. Coordinate day-to-day project tasks and train or guide student research assistants. Participate in team meetings and present progress updates.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Materials Engineering. Extensive experience with quantum point defect calculations from first principles, knowledge of crystal field theory for point defects, ability to perform excited state point defect calculations, ability to train machine learning interatomic potentials from first principles, detailed knowledge of point defects in aluminum and gallium nitride semiconductors. Proficiency in the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP). Strong organization, attention to detail and written communication skills. Have published at least one scientific manuscript using first-principles calculations.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located. McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary: $32.15 Hours per Week: 18 (Part time) Location: Wong Building Supervisor: Associate Professor Position Start Date: 2026-10-14 Position End Date: 2027-02-15 Deadline to Apply: 2026-10-21 This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement. McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities…

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