Description
Civil Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Research Technologist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 8 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Industrial Chair in Bituminous Materials, the Research Technologist will participate in the research activities of the Industrial Chair. The Research Technologist will support different projects of the characterization and development of new asphalt materials with enhanced engineering properties, studies of colloidal structure of bituminous materials, their rheology, chemistry and aging properties, and testing asphalt materials according to the different asphalt specifications. A significant component of this position includes the preparation and testing of paving mixes.
The Research Technologist will be responsible for the testing of bituminous materials in the bituminous laboratories. They must have the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with team members on simultaneous projects and exercise sound judgement. The candidate must also be able to troubleshoot, resolve issues as they arise, and develop creative and innovative solutions. As this role carries a high impact of error, the candidate must be able to work safely around potential hazards, including large equipment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Perform volumetric analysis and asphalt mix characterization for Marshall and Superpave mix designs, including preparation, compaction, and evaluation of asphalt specimens.
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Set up and conduct routine and advanced laboratory testing of asphalt paving mixtures, aggregates, recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), and asphalt materials in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM specifications.
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Review the current AASTHO and ASTM standards and adequately update the Chair¿s testing procedures.
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Cooperate in the development and evaluation of new asphalt mixture technologies, warm mix asphalt, recycled materials, balanced mix design approaches, and performance-related testing methods.
- Provide practical instruction to undergraduate and graduate students of Bituminous Materials Chair laboratories.
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Provide input in the planning, development, and monitoring of new experiments in laboratories.
- Acquire, maintain, upgrade, or replace laboratory equipment to ensure that equipment is in working order and setup prior to scheduled laboratories.
- Maintain efficient, safe, well-organized laboratories for technical personnel of the laboratories.
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Ordering and inventory of laboratory materials and supplies.
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Play a key part in the accreditation of the laboratories and AASHTO proficiency testing.
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Quality Management System, including preparation and update of calibration history, maintenance.
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Responsible for identification of errors a suggestion of possible countermeasures which should be considered to eliminate the sources of error. These may include recalibration of the equipment, update our testing procedures according to ASTM and AASHTO specifications, etc.
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Design, set up, and operate laboratory equipment and experiments related to asphalt mix design, volumetrics, performance testing, and pavement materials research.
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Conduct advanced asphalt mixture testing, data analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results for research and quality evaluation purposes.
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Provide training and mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students in the safe and effective operation of asphalt mix laboratory equipment and testing procedures.
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Provide input in the planning, development, and monitoring of new experiments, infrastructure and spaces in the research laboratories.
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Maintain efficient, safe, well-organized laboratories.
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Maintain knowledge of current and future technical trends and developments within industry and applies the knowledge as appropriate.
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Participates in training opportunities as required.
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Responsible for their own work, but also for identifying possible sources of error during preparation and testing of bituminous materials.
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Maintain and operate specialized equipment including a variety of mixers and compaction devices for production paving mixes, loading frames and specialized equipment for testing of hot-mix, warm-mix and cold mix asphalts.
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Associated infrastructure including computer operations, data acquisition systems, computer control of laboratory systems.
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Understands safety codes, standards, and systems related to specializations.
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Work in compliance to EHS standards to investigate incidents or near misses on the worksite and ensure proper procedures are carried out according to the University¿s Safety Program.
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Train undergraduate and graduate students on standard operating procedures within laboratories.
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Work in a safe, responsible manner to not intentionally or unintentionally injure oneself, or endanger the well-being of others through reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment and keep the laboratory and work area clean and safe.
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Respond to malfunctions and emergencies.
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Establish and maintain effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, supervisor and with the campus community.
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Collaborate with any project teams and research laboratories on other special initiatives as required.
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Promote a team approach and maintain dialogue with all employees to exchange information and gather ideas.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Bachelor's degree or diploma from technical college (SAIT, NAIT, etc.) with experience in the field of asphalt materials, materials testing or similar field is required.
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Strong mechanical aptitude and experience designing paving mixes by Marshall mix design and Superpave mix design.
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Knowledge of Superpave binder specification testing.
- Knowledge of laboratory testing and analysis techniques.
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The ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities.
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Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently, while maintaining timely communication with the Industrial Chair and research team.
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A valid Class 5 driver¿s license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required).
- Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
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Ability to lift and push heavy objects.
Application Deadline: July 16, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
