Materials Scientist

About H2nanO

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

H2nanO is a Canadian cleantech startup on a mission to drive breakthrough solutions for water security and resilience. As water becomes an ever-more precious resource, our team is focused on delivering reliable, efficient water treatment options that meet the needs of Canada’s critical industries. Building on the success of our advanced wastewater treatment technologies, we’re now developing a breakthrough innovation – a modular desalination system that harnesses waste heat. This flexible, off-grid solution is designed to meet the unique needs of sectors like oil production and critical minerals, addressing complex water challenges in remote and demanding environments.

At H2nanO, we’re pioneering scalable, sustainable water technology to help secure a reliable water future for Canada’s essential industries. Join us in building the next generation of resilient water solutions!

About You

• Passionate about advancing sustainable water systems and contributing to water security, independence, and energy efficiency.

• Eager to transition innovative technology from lab scale to field deployment, with both a creative and practical mindset for scaling.

• Ambitious to master advanced materials principles and spearhead new ideas.

• Great taste in water!

Role & Responsibilities

Target Start: December 2024

We’re seeking an experienced materials scientist to spearhead this innovative project from prototype development through to field pilots, paving the way for the commercial launch of a groundbreaking desalination technology. This role is ideal for a collaborative, impact-driven researcher eager to advance sustainable water solutions and take technology from the lab to real-world applications.

Key Roles:

• Project Leadership: Co-develop the R&D program for our desalination technology, transitioning from prototype to field pilot. Design experiments, optimize systems, and lead analytical characterization and performance monitoring. Support and mentor junior team members, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Materials Science & Engineering: Master and guide the development of advanced materials and surface treatments, integrating and adding to knowledge in materials chemistry, water chemistry, and thermodynamics to create efficient, resilient desalination systems.

• Laboratory and Field Work: Conduct safe and precise experiments, leading lab and field testing to validate system performance in real-world conditions.

• Collaboration & Engagement: Work closely with mechanical and systems design engineers, engage with suppliers, and collaborate with clients to refine and test materials and system architecture. Contribute to funding proposals and support marketing and technology narrative development.

• Computer-Aided Design & Modelling: Contribute to multi-physics simulations and economic analyses, supporting system optimization and cost-efficiency evaluations.

• Intellectual Property & Technical Writing: Collaborate on intellectual property development, including patent filings, and support scientific publications.

Experience & Qualifications

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply – even if you feel you don’t meet every qualification listed. We’re excited by unique perspectives and believe that your achievements, experiences, and passion could bring something special to H2nanO. We look forward to discovering the fresh ideas and capabilities you can add to our team!

Education: PhD, Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, with 3+ years of experience, including professional industrial practice, in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines.

Experience: Proven record of leading R&D projects, including designing experiments and constrained optimization, ideally in both academic and industry settings.

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in desalination and water treatment technologies (e.g., membrane or distillation processes).

• Strong background in materials-based water technologies, such as ion exchange, catalysis, or superhydrophobic coatings.

• Foundational knowledge in materials science and design, including nano-materials, polymers, and inorganic chemistry.

• Proficiency with CAD tools and multi-physics modelling (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, OpenFOAM).

• Rapid prototyping skills, including modular design, electromechanical assembly, and 3D printing.

• Strong analytical skills, especially in experimental design and statistical optimization.

Supporting Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a team-oriented and collaborative mindset.

• Adaptable and supportive, with the ability to thrive in a creative, dynamic environment.

Working at H2nanO

Joining H2nanO means being part of a forward-thinking team committed to innovation, inclusivity, and growth. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Make a Lasting Impact: This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to pioneering technology that supports sustainable water management for industries globally.

• Career Development and Mentorship: We are committed to equal opportunities for professional advancement, providing structured career pathing and support for those returning from parental leaves. Your growth is our priority.

• Competitive Benefits: We offer a comprehensive employee benefits program designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

• Supportive Culture: We value work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements. We are open to remote work when hands-on, on-site presence isn’t required.

• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): H2nanO actively fosters a culture of inclusivity and values diverse perspectives in our team.

• Dynamic and Collaborative Environment: Work with a passionate team where creativity and teamwork are at the core of what we do to further our mission.

How To Apply

Sounds like you? Submit your application in PDF format using the linked form below.

H2nanO will consider all qualified applicants and will contact selected candidates to schedule interviews on a continuous basis.

H2nanO supports a culture of diversity and accessibility and seeks the best team members, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender identity, gender expression, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. We encourage the inclusion of preferred pronouns and identification in your application.

We aim to make the application and interview process accommodating for all qualified applicants. If any accommodations would enable or enhance your consideration, please contact join@h2nano.ca.