We are hiring! Research Assistant
Position: Contract, Full-Time
Salary: $5,000 / month
Location: Vancouver, BC
Start Date: June 1, 2025
Rockburst Technologies is looking for a Research Assistant to support our ongoing testing with our novel CoreBurst™ technology. This is an exciting role that has direct influence to shape the development of a new technology in the mining industry with large implications for energy reduction and CO2 abatement potential. The ideal candidate will be working closely with the Chief Scientist to design and run scientific experiments that support the study of the CoreBurst™ comminution mechanism and performance. This includes using different lab equipment to perform standard and experimental analytical tests to characterize the effect of different ore properties on CoreBurst™ comminution performance. The candidate will primarily work at the Coal and Mineral Processing Lab in the University of British Columbia (UBC), but may need to work at other labs within or outside of UBC. Rockburst Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Envisioning Labs Inc., was founded in 2020 to research, develop and commercialize the CoreBurst™ technology. CoreBurst™ is a new comminution process that is being pioneered by Rockburst Technologies as a significant energy reduction alternative to existing compression-based comminution technologies in the mining industry.
Responsibilities
Work closely with the Chief Scientist to design, prepare and run experiments that support the study of the CoreBurst™ comminution mechanism and performance over various ores and materials.
Characterize ore and material properties before and after CoreBurst™ comminution with a number of standard and experimental analytical techniques, including Point-Load Test, Bond Ball Mill Work Index Test, Hardgrove Test, Drop-Weight Test, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) Test, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA).
Correlate CoreBurst™ comminution performance with rock characteristics and other parameters of interest.
Prepare test samples and evaluate test results with standard equipment and techniques, including crushing, grinding, sieving, sample splitting and size distribution analysis.
Conduct analyses in other labs within UBC and off-campus if required.
Document test protocols and results, and prepare test reports to internal team members.
Qualifications
Masters or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Process Engineering or similar disciplines. A Mechanical Engineering background is highly desirable to understand the operation and maintenance of prototypes.
Knowledgeable in mechanics, fluid dynamics, mineral processing, and mineral processing analyses.
Physically fit and capable of moving and manipulating heavy machine components and materials when operating prototypes.
Demonstrable hands-on experience in a lab or R&D environment.
Ability to learn and work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong commitment to working safely.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be patient and detail-oriented in experimental setup and data collection.
Nice to Have
Interest in mineral processing.
Experience working with mechanical and/or hydraulic systems.
Experience working with rocks, minerals and artificial solid materials.
Please submit both your cover letter and resume to info@rockburst.tech with “Re: Rockburst Technologies - Research Assistant” in the subject line. For any inquiries, please address them with Chuck Lee, COO.