Scientific and Business Development Director – The Electron Microbeam and X-Ray Diffraction Facility

Job Summary
The Scientific and Business Development Director is responsible for the scientific leadership, research direction, and business development of the Electron Microbeam and X-Ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF) at EOAS.

This position requires leadership in facility and team management, research investigational work including developing new methodologies, consultation with and advising departmental, UBC, and industry facility users on Electron Microbeam and X-Ray Diffraction measurements, and method development for electron beam techniques.

Organizational Status
The position reports to the Head of Department, with scientific oversight from the EMXDF Steering Committee. The incumbent will work closely with EOAS faculty members, supervise research scientists, advise users of the facility, and participate in the education of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. As a professional geoscientist and expert in the fields of electron-beam microanalysis, X-ray crystallography, and mineral chemistry, the incumbent will develop administrative and scientific policy as appropriate to meet the needs of researchers and other clients.

Work Performed
Leadership:

1. Formulates and implements the short and long-range strategies and goals for the operation and promotion of the facilities; develops the tactical and operational plan for the facilities.
2. Leads a team of highly specialized analytical staff and directs the daily operation of the EMXRDF, which provides both technician-run sample analysis and self-service sample analysis.
3. Fosters scientific excellence by ensuring the facility provides leading-edge support for both graduate student research programs and departmental, UBC, and industry research initiatives.
4. Manages the EMXRDF operating budget including forecasting and resource allocation to align with the strategic direction of the Facility.
5. Maintains the operational continuity of the instruments with service contracts, oversees instrument maintenance and repairs, and manages instrument servicing and vendor communication.

1. Identifies funding and market opportunities for synergy and collaboration, and keeps abreast of industry trends related to technology transfer and corporate development in related industries.
2. Engages with faculty and research staff to identify and facilitate increased interaction with other research institutes, including evaluating and facilitating business and collaboration opportunities, fostering new research collaborations that enhance the reputation and funding opportunities for the EMXRDF and increasing access to government and private research facilitation and funding initiatives.
3. Develops commercialization and marketing strategies with the capability to be successful with business development for the lab.
4. Attends relevant academic and industry conferences in geoscience and mineral exploration, follows current literature in the field, interfaces with equipment manufacturers, and actively networks with related analytical laboratories in Canada and internationally.
5. Leads the preparation of grant applications for funding of new equipment and facility operations in collaboration with researchers and stakeholders.
6. Develops and executes a communication and public relations strategy to promote the EMXRDF facility’s laboratory services, research and method development, and publications from facility users.

1. Leads and evaluates the development of analytical methods (with domain expertise in mineralogy and geological sciences), based on current scientific advances.
2. Monitors instrument performance and adjustment of operating parameters to achieve optimum performance for specific analyses.
3. Leads the negotiation, procurement, and contracting of equipment and instrumentation and oversees the installation and testing.
4. Contributes to the academic mandate of the department in knowledge transfer by facilitating educational opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
5. Prepares scientific publications related to electron beam method development and application, and contributes to user scientific publications as required.

Minimum Qualifications
• Ph.D. or Dr. rer. nat degree in Geological Sciences or related disciplines and demonstrated productivity in the appropriate fields.
• Seven years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience if not responsible for a research project.
• Five years’ experience in a field of specialization or equivalent combination of education and experience if responsible for a research project. Experience in the operation of EPMA, XRD, SEM, including basic maintenance would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership excellence in managing a team of highly specialized analytical staff, ensuring operational continuity, and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong, effective and supportive management of staff, effective team building and conflict resolution with experience managing a team.
• Experience in being able to integrate and interpret analytical data, and assist internal and external facility users with interpretation of results.
• Experience with writing scientific publications and professional reports would be an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills along with the ability to effectively train others.
• Effective oral and written communication, with scientific writing skills to prepare internal and external reports, correspondence and grant applications.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills with interpersonal and leadership skills to successfully interact with research groups at UBC, other universities and 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.

Wage
$130,000 per year

Benefits
• Disability Benefit Plan.
• Extended Health and Dental.
• Claims Forms.
• Health Spending Account.
• Basic and Optional Life Insurance.
• Travel Benefits.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
20 days’ vacation per year

Location(s) of work
Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia.
Earth Sciences Building, 2207 Main Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4

Language of work
English

Contact information: Jennifer Barker jbarker@eoas.ubc.ca
Please apply via our UBC site: https://hr.ubc.ca/careers
The position closes on April 21, 2025