Aimy Bazylak

The University of Toronto's Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join the A3MD Initiative, led by Professor Aimy Bazylak, Canada Research Chair in Clean Energy. The research focuses on high-throughput catalyst ink preparation and characterization for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi-carbon species, contributing to clean energy and sustainability. The successful candidate will work within the Alliance for AI-Accelerated Materials Discovery (A3MD), collaborating with leading researchers including Prof. Jason Hattrick-Simpers and Prof. David Sinton. The group leverages automated, high-throughput experimentation and artificial intelligence to push the boundaries of materials discovery, with applications in OER and CO2RR. Key responsibilities include expanding established catalyst ink preparation procedures, evaluating catalyst-coated membranes using advanced methods, and applying autonomous and machine learning-enabled research approaches. The postdoc will collaborate on ab initio and machine learning simulations for the design and characterization of new ink recipes, lead high-impact research, and publish as first author in top-tier journals. Industrial, academic, and government collaborations are integral to the role. Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrochemistry, with expertise in high-throughput materials synthesis and characterization. Additional experience in electrocatalysis for OER, electrochemical fuel cells, PEM-WE design, and instrument control scripting/data integration via APIs is considered an asset. The application package should include a cover letter, CV, contact information for three referees, and two representative publications. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The University of Toronto is committed to diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. For more information, visit the A3MD Initiative website: https://a3md.utoronto.ca/ . To apply, email your application to Prof. Bazylak at aimy.bazylak@utoronto.ca with the subject line: A3MD Bazylak Group: PDF Application.

PhD student opportunity in advanced in situ characterization of electrochemical CO2 conversion catalysts and electrodes at the University of Toronto in collaboration with McMaster University . The project is co-supervised by Professor Aimy Bazylak (Bazylak Group, University of Toronto Engineering) and Professor Drew Higgins (McMaster University). The research focuses on electrochemistry , electrochemical CO2 conversion , materials characterization , in situ/operando spectroscopy , tomography , and spectro-microscopy to understand how electrodes and catalysts behave under operating conditions. The post highlights work with advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron-based measurements , with travel to synchrotron facilities in Canada and abroad. Applicants should have completed or be close to completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related science or engineering field. The ideal candidate will have strong motivation for sustainability research, analytical and critical thinking skills, teamwork across institutions, independent problem-solving ability, strong communication skills, and hands-on experience with laboratory tools or advanced instrumentation. Experience in electrochemical technologies such as electrolyzers, batteries, supercapacitors, or fuel cells is considered an asset, as is wet lab experience, instrument design/assembly, experimental R&D, and publication experience. The position is based across the University of Toronto and McMaster University , with a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The post does not specify stipend or tuition details. How to apply: Send a cover letter, CV, and names of up to three referees in a single PDF to aimy.bazylak@utoronto.ca , higgid2@mcmaster.ca , and ashkan.irannezhad@utoronto.ca . Use the subject line “PhD Advanced Characterization” . Applications are reviewed immediately and accepted until the position is filled.

Fully funded PhD opportunity in carbon dioxide conversion technologies , electrochemistry , and clean energy at the University of Toronto , co-supervised with McMaster University . The project title is Advanced In Situ Characterization of CO₂ Reduction Electrodes and is associated with the Bazylak Group and Higgins Group. The research focuses on developing next-generation systems to convert CO₂ into useful products using electrochemical methods. The work includes CO₂ reduction , in situ/operando characterization , advanced spectroscopy , tomography , and spectro-microscopy , with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy technologies and advanced energy materials. Applicants should have a bachelor's or master's degree in Chemical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , Materials Engineering , Chemistry , Physics , or a related scientific/engineering field. The post also asks for strong interest in sustainability, excellent analytical and research skills, ability to work independently and in a team, and English language proficiency. Preferred experience includes electrochemistry, batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, materials characterization, X-ray spectroscopy, synchrotron measurements, wet chemistry, experimental instrumentation, R&D, and scientific publications. Funding is described as fully funded, with participation in the nationally funded CANSTOREnergy project and collaboration with industrial, academic, and government partners. The opportunity also mentions access to synchrotron facilities in Canada and abroad. To apply, prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, and the names and details of up to three academic references. Email the materials to the listed supervisors/research contacts. Applications are open until the position is filled, so early submission is recommended.