Viki Kumar Prasad hired at the University of Calgary

Viki Kumar Prasad joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Calgary in July 2024. Viki is also affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and Centre for Molecular Simulation at the University of Calgary. As the principal investigator of the Prasad Research Group, he currently oversees research in the development and application of novel computational chemistry methodologies for molecular property predictions. In this regards, the group develops techniques that enhance conventional quantum chemistry methods leading to physics-aware methodologies. They adopt quantum computing principles to create quantum machine learning models and design algorithms for efficient quantum resource use. Additionally, the group works on training classical machine learning models with improved generalization and accuracy.

Prior to his independent research appointment, Viki served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto from 2022 to 2024, working in Hans-Arno Jacobsen's Middleware Systems Research group. During his postdoctoral research, he explored the application of quantum computing to predict chemical properties in an interdisciplinary collaboration. With the Data Sciences Institute postdoctoral fellowship, he continued his work at the University of Toronto, focusing on quantum machine learning methods for chemistry. Previous to this, Viki obtained his PhD in theoretical and quantum chemistry in 2021 from the University of British Columbia supervised by Gino DiLabio and co-supervised by Alberto Otero-de-la-Roza (University of Oviedo). His doctoral thesis focused on developing new quantum chemical methods for the efficient and accurate electronic structure modeling. In 2016, he completed his MSc at the Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur), working with Anoop Ayyappan. He earned his BSc in 2014 from St. Xavier's College (Kolkata). Additionally, Viki had a brief postdoctoral experience in early 2022 in computational materials science at the University of British Columbia, participating in a collaborative project with Robert Szilagyi and the "AtomDec" consortium to design carbon-based materials. He also spent time at the University of Melbourne in the summer of 2016, working under Lars Goerigk's supervision.

 

York University: NMR Specialist

Purpose:

To provide technical support to the research laboratories by maintaining the operation of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) facility. To maintain, troubleshoot and perform basic repairs on the NMR equipment. To devise, evaluate, modify, and perform experiments and provide oversight of the facility.

Education:
Master of Science in Chemistry or an equivalent of 5 years recent experience (defined as within the last six years) working at York University and performing the same or similar tasks. This education equivalency is in addition to the experiential requirements outlined below. Specific knowledge in Physical Chemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is required.

Experience:
Three (3) years' practical experience with NMR spectrometers and other Chemistry-related instrumentation. Experience with Physical Chemistry experiments dealing with calorimetry, charge transfer and gas-phase reactions. Must have experience with PD and UNIX platforms. Experience with experiments of small/large molecules and biological NMR samples, high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR samples, all types of 1D and 2D high-resolution NMR experiments and a wide range of NMR active nuclei. Ability to apply various methods of water suppression schemes.

Skills:
Familiarity with nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-violet visible (UV-VIS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), photometer, monochromator, and differential thermal analyzer.Demonstrated skill/ability in the following areas:
- Hands-on instrument servicing/repair and modifications and software upgrades.
- Working efficiently under pressure.
- Working independently and following tasks to completion.
- Ability to set priorities and coordinate workflow.
- Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Additional Notes:
This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s) or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview. Hours of work: 8:30am to 4:30pm. Some flexibility based on laboratory requirements. Requests to work overtime may occur periodically throughout the year. Vacation restriction: Based on laboratory requirements, vacation may be restricted mid-August to November. mid-January to April

Access Full Position Posting

If you are a current York University employee in the YUSA-1 bargaining unit and/or are using your job posting rights under the collective agreement to view and apply for jobs, you must apply through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire to be considered an internal applicant.

As per Article 12.02(f) of the YUSA-1 Collective Agreement, to be considered an internal applicant, employees in the YUSA-1 bargaining unit must submit the application 5 working days following the first day of posting. This is referred to as the 'Posted Date' on the job posting. Please refer to the 'Posting Intent' on the job posting.

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.

York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.

York University employees must apply to jobs through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire. If you are a current York University employee and/or are using your rights under a collective agreement to view and/or apply to jobs, you MUST log into YU Hire to access the York University Employee Career Portal.

PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.