The Department of Chemistry at the King’s University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join Dr. Cassidy VanderSchee’s interdisciplinary research program to develop advanced carbon nanomaterials for critical mineral recovery and environmental remediation.

In partnership with BioGenius Agri-Tech Inc., our research designs and synthesizes functionalized carbon nanoparticles that exploit coordination chemistry to selectively bind and recover vanadium and other critical metals from oil sands process-affected water. This work integrates coordination chemistry, nanomaterials synthesis, surface functionalization, and advanced materials characterization to engineer selective metal-binding interfaces for critical metal recovery and environmental remediation.

The successful candidate will lead an independent research project within a collaborative academic–industry partnership. The position offers opportunities to publish high-impact research, develop patents, mentor students, and contribute to grant development. The successful candidate will apply principles of coordination chemistry to design selective metal-binding nanomaterials and evaluate their performance using advanced analytical and materials characterization techniques, including ICP-MS, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential analysis, TEM, and XPS.

This is a unique position which combines fundamental materials discovery with real-world industrial application. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build an independent research profile while working at the interface of chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering within a growing research program.

This postdoctoral grant is offered under the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards. The grant is for two years, with a salary of $63,000 per year, plus benefits.



Applicants must not currently be in Canada or affiliated with a Canadian university and are required to commit for the full-term of the award.

The King’s University in Edmonton, AB offers a collaborative and supportive research environment with access to regional research facilities and strong partnerships across academia, government, and industry.

Qualifications

- A PhD in Chemistry or closely related discipline. Research experience should include one or more of the following: coordination chemistry, nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, surface chemistry and functionalization, or carbon-based materials
- Do not have a current affiliation with a Canadian institution and must be currently studying or working abroad. Applicants can be of any citizenship.
- A track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a scientific team
- Fluent in oral and written English

Responsibilities:

- Conduct high-quality independent research leading to journal publication and presentation at major conferences
- Design, synthesize and characterize functionalized carbon nanoparticles for the selective recovery of vanadium from complex environmental matrices
- Contribute to patent development and technology commercialization
- Assist with grant applications
- Co-supervision of undergraduate students, with opportunities to teach if desired
- Collaborate with academic, industry, and government research partners.

How to apply:

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, contact information for 2 references and a cover letter explaining interest in the position, highlighting your publications and experience most relevant to the position. Applications and inquiries for more information should be sent to [email protected] The target start date is Winter 2026 (versatile). We will accept applications until the position is filled.

📌 Postdoctoral Fellow – Carbon Nanomaterials for Critical Mineral Recovery (Edmonton)
🏢 The King's University
📍 Edmonton