Hardware Technical Specialist (100% Onsite, Two-year term)

Date Posted: 09/28/2026
Req ID: 50316
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Acceleration Consortium
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00059997
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About us:
The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada's leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.
The Acceleration Consortium (AC), based at the University ofToronto (U of T), is a global community of academia, industry, and government working to accelerate the discovery and development of advanced materials and molecules. The AC develops self-driving laboratories (SDLs), autonomous research platforms that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and advanced computing to dramatically reduce the time and cost of scientific discovery.
The Acceleration Consortium (AC) promotes an inclusive research environment and supports the EDI priorities of the unit.
The Acceleration Consortium received a $200M Canadian First Research Excellence Grant for seven years to develop self-driving labs for chemistry and materials, the largest ever grant to a Canadian University. This grant will provide the Acceleration Consortium with seven years of funding to execute its vision.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.
Your opportunity:
Reporting to the Executive Director, Acceleration Consortium and working under the guidance of (Senior) Research Associates, this position will play a pivotal role in supporting research projects focused on self-driving labs for accelerated discovery, and will collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. Responsibilities include but are not limited to Experimental Design and Execution, Computational Modeling, Prototype Development, Data Analysis, and Lab Maintenance.
This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Performing lab experiments that requires great precision and attention to many details
• Analyzing and recommending options for project design
• Analyzing applicable installation methods for apparatus and devices
• Keeping well-informed on current technologies, best practices and industry standards
• Coordinating routine maintenance of lab equipment
• Applying established standards when operating fabrication equipment
• Serving as a technical resource on laboratory protocols, and experimental procedures and equipment

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably with a focus on chemical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or related fields, or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience and education. A master's degree in engineering is preferred.
• Minimum three years of recent and relevant experience in supporting research projects, including experimental design and execution, prototype development, data analysis, data reporting, and lab maintenance.
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing technologies, including design software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and printer operation.
• Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++, with the ability to develop custom scripts and algorithms control systems and modeling.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present

Assets (Nonessential):

• Master's degree in engineering
• Experience working in a chemistry, materials science, or biology research environment
• Experience with certification of electrical equipment

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Efficient
• Insightful
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Team player

Closing Date: 10/23/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 11 -- $79,640 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $101,845. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.