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RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is part of a larger collaborative research project aimed at developing a durable and waterproof building envelope with a better sustainability performance than existing petroleum-based products. The paper-based membrane envisioned here combines a water repellant surface layer or coating with a basepaper that serves multiple purposes: it provides strength and integrity to the product and may also contribute to its barrier properties, in particular air resistance. Research carried out by the successful candidate will focus on developing a basepaper that is tailored for this very demanding application. This will involve optimizing furnish, refining strategy and the use of chemical additives. The impact of adding a calendering or pre-coating step may also be considered. Properties to be optimized include those of the basesheet as well as those of the final product (in particular, air and water resistance and tear strength). The successful candidate will interact frequently with a second postdoctoral scholar based in Prof. Kevin Golovin’s group at UBC who will be working on the development of a suitable barrier layer for the targeted application. The two researchers will test various combinations of basepaper and barrier technology and identify the most promising approach to meet end-use requirements. They will also prepare a plan for scale-up.

CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in one of the following disciplines: Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Paper Science or Materials Science. They should also have a proven track record of excellence in research. The position is open immediately and offered initially for a period of one year. The successful candidate will be employed by the University of British Columbia but will be based at FPInnovations’ laboratory in Pointe-Claire, Québec with a small portion of his or her time spent at UBC.