About Serenity Power
Serenity Power is developing compact solid oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power. Our work brings together cell materials, stack design, fuel handling and controls, with prototype development and planned field testing in Alberta.
We are a small, hands-on team. Every team member completes safety orientation and role-specific training before working in the lab or shop.
The Role
We are looking for a Lab Technician co-op student who enjoys careful, hands-on wet-lab work. You will prepare and process the ceramic powders, slurries and inks that become our fuel cells, run the characterization and electrochemical tests that tell us whether they work, and keep our lab running safely and smoothly.
You will be paired with a Serenity scientist or engineer who acts as your mentor and day-to-day supervisor, and you will work as a full member of the materials R&D team. We do not expect you to know every instrument on day one: training on our equipment and techniques is provided. An 8- to 16-month term gives you time to own a defined piece of work and see it through to results the team will use.
Key Responsibilities
Materials Preparation & Processing
- Weigh, mix, mill and process powders, and formulate slurries, pastes and inks for cell fabrication
- Prepare cell layers and samples by methods such as tape casting, screen printing, pressing and coating
- Operate high-temperature furnaces for calcining, sintering and heat treatment, following set programs and safety procedures
Characterization & Testing
- Prepare samples and run characterization such as XRD, SEM, particle size analysis, TGA/DSC, density and porosity measurements
- Assemble and run electrochemical tests on button cells and small cells, such as polarization curves and impedance (EIS), and keep accurate test records
- Analyze results, prepare figures and summarize findings in short reports and team meetings
Lab Operations
- Maintain chemical inventory, safety data sheets, labelling and waste handling to WHMIS requirements
- Keep equipment clean, calibrated and maintained, and help set up new instruments
- Keep the lab organized, track consumables and help order supplies
Safety & Documentation
- Complete Serenity's safety orientation and the training required for the lab areas you work in, and follow SOPs, hazard assessments and PPE requirements
- Keep complete, organized lab notebooks, data files and sample records
- Help write and update standard operating procedures, and report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly
Collaboration & Communication
- Communicate progress, results and problems clearly to your mentor and the R&D team
- Handle confidential information responsibly, and raise new ideas or potential inventions with your mentor so Serenity's IP is protected
- Present your work to the technical team at the end of your term
Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nanotechnology Engineering or a closely related field, and eligible for a co-op work term through your institution
- Coursework in at least some of: inorganic or physical chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, reaction kinetics, surface chemistry
- Hands-on wet-lab experience from coursework, research or work, with careful technique and attention to safety
- Working proficiency with Excel or Python for data analysis
- Available for an 8-, 12- or 16-month term
Nice to Have
- Previous co-op, research or lab experience, especially with ceramics, powders, inks or coatings
- Characterization experience such as XRD, SEM, TGA/DSC or particle size analysis
- Electrochemical testing experience (EIS, polarization curves) with batteries, fuel cells or electrolyzers
- WHMIS or other lab safety training
- Interest in clean energy and decarbonizing off-grid and industrial power
What We Offer
- Competitive co-op compensation
- One-to-one mentorship from a Serenity scientist or engineer
- Hands-on experience building first-of-a-kind fuel cell hardware, from lab bench to prototype
- A small, mission-driven team where your work is seen and used
- A chance to make a measurable impact on clean, reliable power
Great candidates don't always check every box. If you are excited about this role and Serenity's mission, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Submit your resume, a short cover letter and your transcript to contact@serenitypower.ca. In your cover letter, tell us about a hands-on project (academic, personal or professional) you are proud of.
Serenity Power is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating candidates throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know of any accommodation needs.