Principal Investigator

SAIT’s

Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. Join one of Canada’s top applied research colleges, innovate for the future and bring industry-generated ideas and game-changing technologies to life. 
The Opportunity   Job classification: P2043 - Project Coordinator Salary range: $70,000 - $75,000. Placement within the range is typically based upon a review of skills, experience, and internal equity.  Hours per week: 37.5 Paid leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year Position End Date: March 31, 2028 Deadline to apply: 4:00PM, August 28, 2026

About ARIS

Since 2003, Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) has served as the research arm of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), one of Canada's leading applied research institutions. With more than 50,000 square feet of specialized laboratory space in the heart of Calgary and a team of over 60 research professionals, ARIS delivers innovative research and technology solutions to industry partners across Alberta and Canada.

The Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM) is ARIS's newest research centre, focused on advancing innovation in manufacturing and materials science. Through industry collaboration and applied research, CIRAMM develops practical solutions to address real-world challenges and drive technological advancement.

The Opportunity

CIRAMM is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Coordinator to support the planning, coordination, and execution of applied research projects. Reporting to the Research Chair, this role will help ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The Project Coordinator acts as a key liaison between research teams, industry partners, and stakeholders, supporting project execution through effective planning, communication, documentation, and laboratory coordination. This role is ideal for someone who combines strong project management capabilities with a passion for research, innovation, and industry collaboration.

How you'll contribute

Project Coordination and Management (30%)

• Coordinate and manage applied research projects both internally within CIRAMM and externally with industry partners.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, including resource planning, materials estimates, and manpower requirements, to meet project milestones effectively.
• Serve as a liaison between research teams, field personnel, and stakeholders to address project issues promptly and ensure smooth execution.

Laboratory Support and Experimentation (30%)

• Assist in the preparation and execution of laboratory tests and procedures, ensuring compliance with established safety and quality standards.
• Conduct experimental activities and perform laboratory test procedures to support project goals.
• Design, construct, and modify simple laboratory apparatuses as required for specific research activities.
• Maintain and repair laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal functionality to support research activities.
• Monitor and manage inventory of materials, supplies, and laboratory consumables to prevent disruptions in research activities.

Documentation and Reporting (20%)

• Document project phases meticulously, including experimental designs, methodologies, and outcomes, to ensure accurate project records.
• Create detailed project summary reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Write and edit scientific publications, technical documents, and research grant proposals to support CIRAMM’s academic and industry collaborations.

Industry Engagement and Outreach (15%)

• Initiate, plan, and lead industry outreach programs to foster collaboration and identify opportunities for new research projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners by acting as a key point of contact and facilitating communication to address their needs.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Support CIRAMM’s strategic objectives by performing additional duties as required, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic research environment.

What you bring

Required

• Master's degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Materials Science, Manufacturing Technology, Project Management, or a related field.

Preferred

• PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Post-secondary degree with relevant applied research experience.

Experience

• Experience coordinating technical, research, engineering, manufacturing, or innovation projects.
• Experience working in a laboratory, research, engineering, or industrial environment is considered an asset.
• Experience collaborating with industry partners, academic institutions, or multidisciplinary teams is preferred.
• Experience leading applied research and development projects focused on solving real-world manufacturing and materials challenges.
• Experience securing and managing externally funded research projects from government, industry, and research funding agencies.
• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting materials testing programs, including mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, failure analysis, and property evaluation.
• Experience translating industrial needs into research plans and delivering practical, commercially relevant outcomes.

Capabilities

• Strong project coordination and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of project planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, and resource coordination.
• Familiarity with laboratory operations, testing procedures, and research environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing technical reports, funding proposals, publications, presentations, and project documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with industry partners, government agencies, academic collaborators, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to safety, quality management, compliance with relevant standards and regulations, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of structure-property-processing relationships in metallic, ceramic, and composite materials.
• Knowledge of advanced materials characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy  (SEM), optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), image analysis, and mechanical, physical, and chemical testing methods.
• Knowledge of advanced materials processing technologies, including powder metallurgy, mechanical alloying, spark plasma sintering (SPS), arc melting, vacuum melting, gas atomization, and related manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with advanced surface engineering and coating technologies, including thermal spray, laser-directed energy deposition (DED), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and related surface modification methods.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound scientific and statistical principles, including Design of Experiments (DOE), to optimize material composition and processing parameters.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced inorganic materials, including metallic alloys, high-entropy alloys, metal-matrix composites (MMCs), cermets, and engineering ceramics.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. We understand how important communication is, and we are committed to following up with every candidate. Please know that each application is thoughtfully reviewed, and you will hear from us either way.   Together, we build bold futures    At SAIT, we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including:    - Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing  - SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported  - Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate  - Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account   - Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses   - Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence  - Excellent dining options on campus  - Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes    And the perks keep on coming!  
About SAIT 
At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.  
Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here. 
We’re committed to community and belonging  
Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.