Position Summary
The Insilico Matters Laboratory (IML) at the Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre (EMT) of INRS invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in Computational Materials Design. This unique role combines research responsibilities with group management. The successful candidate will not only advance research in computational materials design but also play a pivotal role in supporting and managing the laboratory’s research activities.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Conducting cutting-edge research in computational materials design for energy and environmental applications, applying state-of-the-art methods such as Density Functional Theory (DFT), Molecular Dynamics (MD), and Machine Learning (ML), with project focus areas including electrochemical devices, sustainable catalysis, and CO₂ capture and conversion.
- Assisting in group management through regular meetings with team members, troubleshooting technical challenges, and fostering collaborative research practices.
- Supporting the PI in overseeing lab operations, mentoring graduate students, and coordinating research directions.
- Contributing to proposal writing, publications, and external collaborations.
About the Insilico Matters Laboratory (IML)
The Insilico Matters Laboratory (IML), established in 2019 at Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre (EMT) of INRS, is committed to building a world-class team and infrastructure focused on designing sustainable materials for energy and environmental applications. Our mission is to leverage expertise in defect and disorder engineering, atomistic simulations, and data-driven materials discovery to deliver innovative solutions for green technologies. IML fosters a collaborative, respectful, and supportive research culture, where mentorship and professional development are key priorities.
Research Areas
Computational materials design • Electrochemical energy systems • Solid-state ionics • Defects and disorder in materials • Classical and ab-initio simulations • Sustainable hydrogen and ammonia production • Machine learning in materials science • CO2 Capture and Conversion • Data-driven materials design
Eligibility Criteria
- A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computational Science, or a closely related field.
- Strong expertise in computational materials modeling and simulations.
- Experience in machine learning for materials discovery and property predictionas as well as Python programming for data analysis, workflow automation, software installation, and database management is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of scholarly publications.
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills with proficiency in English (oral and written); proficiency in French is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability and interest in mentorship, group coordination, and management.
We welcome applicants from diverse academic, cultural, and personal backgrounds. Candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM- including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals- are especially encouraged to apply.
Employment Details
- Position Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Fellow
- Duration: 5 years; Renewed every year based on performance
- Salary: $70,000 per year (including benefits)
- Start Date: Flexible (Fall 2025 preferred or Winter 2026)
- Location: Varennes, Quebec, Canada
Research Advisor
Prof. Kulbir Ghuman
Canada Research Chair in Computational Materials Design for Energy and Environmental Applications
Profile and Publications
Institution
Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications
1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet
Varennes, Quebec, J3X 1P7, Canada
Application Process
To apply, please email the following documents in a single PDF to Prof. Kulbir Ghuman at kulbir.ghuman@inrs.ca:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter describing research background, relevant experience, and interest in group management responsibilities
- Names and contact information of three referees
Please indicate whether you are a Canadian citizen/permanent resident or an international applicant. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
About the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Université du Québec, Canada
The Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) is a graduate-level, research-intensive university committed to contributing to societal advancement through cutting-edge discoveries and the training of the next generation of researchers and innovators. INRS consistently ranks first in Quebec and second in Canada in research intensity, measured by research funding per faculty and student.