Current Positions
Current Positions
Positions for Undergraduate Students
We’re accepting motivated students for honours projects, individual study, and summer research. If you’re curious, reliable, and eager to learn by doing, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, email Prof. Xuehua Zhang with the subject line “Student Research Application – [Your Name]” and include: a 1-page CV, unofficial transcript, a short paragraph on your research interests and skills, and your availability (start date, hours per week, and preferred term). Please also note any relevant coursework or prior lab/computing experience. We value diverse perspectives and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Strong candidates may be invited for a brief chat.
Positions for MSc and PhD Students
Multiple positions are avaialbe.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position: Cold Plasma Treatment for Carbon Materials
Our research group invites applications for a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on an exciting project focusing on Cold Plasma Treatment for Carbon Materials. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge materials science research in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will lead research efforts to investigate and develop novel cold plasma surface modification techniques for various carbon materials (e.g., carbon fibers, activated carbon, graphene). The primary goal is to tailor the surface properties—such as wettability, chemical functionality, and surface energy—to enhance their performance for applications in areas like energy storage, catalysis, and composites.
Key research activities include:
Designing and optimizing cold plasma experimental setups.
Characterizing the treated carbon materials using techniques like XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM.
Analyzing the relationship between plasma parameters and the resulting material properties and performance.
Collaborating with other team members to integrate the modified materials into functional devices or systems.
General Requirements
A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with experience.
Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, collaborative mindset.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English.
Specific Qualifications (Preferred)
Demonstrated experience with plasma systems (especially cold/non-thermal plasma) and plasma diagnostics.
Hands-on experience in the synthesis, processing, or surface modification of materials.
Proficiency with advanced material characterization techniques (e.g., surface analysis, spectroscopic methods).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents as a single PDF file to xuehua.zhang@ualberta.ca.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a complete list of publications.
A cover letter outlining research interests, relevant experience, and motivation for applying.
Contact information for three professional references.
Application Deadline: Open till filled
We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how you can contribute to our team!