2026/2027 Winter Sessional Lecturer Positions
The Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a sessional lecturer for Winter Terms 2026/27 lecture and lab courses (September-December and January -April). The salary for these positions depends on qualifications and experience. Individuals with a Ph.D. degree in chemistry and successful teaching experience preferred. Familiarity with computer interfaces and online teaching systems (UBC Canvas) is an asset. For further information regarding Sessional Lecturer positions at UBC please refer to: https://hr.ubc.ca/managers-admins/recruiting-and-hiring/faculty-recruitment/faculty-titles-ranks-and-descriptions-5
The expected pay range for this position is $2638/month - $3200/month
NOTE: Not all courses listed may need to be filled by sessional faculty.
Winter Term 1:
CHEM 300 LEC: (1 section) – Communicating Chemistry: Effective argumentation and communication skills in chemistry.
CHEM 3XX/445 O LABS: (1 section) – Experimental Organic Chemistry.
CHEM 355 LAB: (1 section) – Chemistry Integrated Laboratory: Principles and techniques of modern chemistry.
CHEM 588X LEC: (1 section) – Topics in Chemistry: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) - 1 credit module. Practical NMR spectroscopic techniques with the focus on acquiring essential experiments for structural elucidation of small molecules.
Winter Term 2:
CHEM 418/524 LEC: (1 section) – Organometallic Chemistry: The chemistry of compounds containing organic groups directly bonded to metals and metalloids. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and bonding of the compounds and their use in synthetic chemistry.
Successful candidates will have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and will be able to work within a team environment.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.
How to apply:
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vita and a statement of teaching philosophy and experience. Evidence of teaching effectiveness relevant to these courses would be a definite asset. Applicants should also arrange to have two reference letters sent directly to:
Please use the subject line: “ATTN: Chair, Sessional Lecturer Search Committee”
Review of completed applications as of NOON, JULY 13th, 2026. These positions will remain open until filled
Postdoctoral Fellow – Synthetic Chemistry
The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 - $62,000/annually.
Job Summary/Description
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Gates Group in the Department of Chemistry at The University of British Columbia.
This position will report to Dr. Derek Gates, as part of a joint project with industry that is supported by an approved MITACS Accelerate PDF internship. The successful applicant must meet the eligibility requirements to be a MITACS Accelerate Intern at the PDF level.
Qualifications:
- PhD degree in Synthetic Chemistry
- Technical Experience with the synthesis and purification of inorganic and/or organic small molecules and/or polymers, including air-sensitive methods.
- Expertise in the analytical methods employed for the characterization of molecules and polymers is essential. Expertise in hydrometallurgical processes for efficient mineral extraction will be an asset but is not required.
- Research experience, excellent communication skills, judgment, and discretion in working with various senior professionals and collaborating with internal and external agencies.
Expected Responsibilities:
- Synthesize or commercially source relevant functional small molecules, monomers, and polymers.
- Perform and optimize mineral extractions from ores provided by industrial partner.
- Purify materials employing ion-exchange resins or similar separation protocols.
- Analyze molecules/polymers using standard characterization tools (e.g. NMR, IR, MS, etc.)
- Analyze complex mixtures to identify and determine concentration of dissolved metal ions, molecular compounds and polymers.
- Employ analytical methods such as LC-MS, ESI-MS, MALDI-MS, TOC analysis, ICP-OES, and DLS.
- Optimizing techniques described above.
- Develop new synthetic and analytical methods to solve problems of relevance to our industrial partner.
- Serve as the point of contact for external (industry) and internal (PIs and HQP) stakeholders on scientific and technical matters.
- Provide reports (written and oral) to our industry partner on a monthly basis.
- May oversee other research personnel.
- May provide orientation and training on laboratory techniques and instruments as required.
- Maintain safe and clean lab space used
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Location:
The primary work location is the UBC Vancouver Campus
Application Process:
Seeking full-time PDF for 12 months with the possibility of extension.
Anticipated Start Date: August 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible.
Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed starting June 15 until the position is filled.
Only applications received through UBC’s online job board will be considered:
Please submit the following documents in your application:
- A CV
- Cover Letter
- Contact Information for three referees
- Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.
All applicants are asked to address the following points in their cover letters:
- Their synthetic and analytical expertise
- The purification techniques that they have experience with
- The earliest date that they would be available
Equity and Diversity Statement
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.