2027 Winter Student Program- Biodosimetry & Countermeasures Student

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; Hybrid; CAD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Statutory Holidays

1 Company Floating Holiday

4% of earnings on each pay

Job summary

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is seeking a Biodosimetry & Countermeasures Student for a 4-month term at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario. You will conduct colorimetric biomarker assays, analyze data, and contribute to safety-focused biodosimetry research while gaining hands-on experience in both experimental and computational aspects.

You will work full-time on-site with a focus on literature reviews, method development, data analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a university or college program in a related scientific field.
• Previous laboratory coursework, projects, or research experience.
• Interest in biomarker research, analytical method development, and radiation biodosimetry.
• Basic chemistry/biochemistry/molecular biology understanding.
• Familiar with pipetting, solution prep, dilutions and spectrophotometry.
• Ability to analyze data and interpret results.
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to safety.
• Interest in developing innovative detection technologies for emergency response.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews to identify urinary biomarkers for colorimetric detection.
• Assist in selecting colorimetric reactions, reagents, and assay systems.
• Prepare standard reagents and buffers per lab procedures.
• Develop and optimize colorimetric assays using solutions and urine matrices.
• Evaluate analytical parameters: sensitivity, range, LOD, precision, reproducibility, variability.
• Organize, analyze, graph, and interpret experimental data with software tools.
• Maintain lab records and document protocols, observations, results.
• Follow safety procedures for handling biological samples and reagents.
• Participate in research meetings and report progress to project teams.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing findings.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager.

Skills

Biomarker research interest

Analytical method development

Radiation biodosimetry

Chemistry/biochemistry knowledge

Laboratory techniques

Quantitative data analysis

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Organization & safety

Education

Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology, Medical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

2027 Winter Student Program- Biodosimetry & Countermeasures Student Position Number 1362 Classification Term # of openings 1

Do you enjoy working in a laboratory environment and contributing to research that supports radiation science, emergency preparedness, and human health? Can you see yourself collaborating with scientists and technical staff to develop innovative biodosimetry technologies, analyze biological samples, and apply data analysis techniques to support cutting-edge research? As a Biodosimetry & Countermeasures Student, you will play a hands‑on role in laboratory activities, analytical method development, biomarker detection, and research data analysis while gaining experience in both experimental and computational aspects of scientific research. If you answered yes, then this may be the job for you!

All students applying for student positions at CNL must be returning to full-time studies upon completion of their work term. Exceptions will be made for students who require a work term to graduate.

Department: Nuclear Response and Analysis
Number of Positions:1
Duration: 4 Months (January-April)
Field of Study: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology, Medical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Year of study: 2nd, 3rd fourth year or higher

What you will be doing!

• Conducting literature reviews to identify urinary biomarkers suitable for colorimetric detection and evaluate relevant colorimetric assay approaches.
• Assisting with the selection and evaluation of colorimetric reactions, reagents, and commercially available assay systems for selected biomarkers.
• Preparing standard reagents and buffers in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Developing and optimizing colorimetric assays using standard solutions and urine matrices.
• Evaluating analytical parameters including sensitivity, linear range, limits of detection, precision, reproducibility, and assay variability.
• Organizing, analyzing, graphing, and interpreting experimental data using appropriate software tools.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and documenting experimental protocols, observations, and results.
• Following laboratory safety procedures and requirements for handling biological samples and chemical reagents.
• Participating in research meetings and communicating experimental progress to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Preparing technical reports and presentations summarizing research activities and findings completed during the work term.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.
  

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Currently enrolled in a university or college program in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology, Medical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience
  • Laboratory experience through coursework, academic projects, or research activities.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Demonstrating an interest in biomarker research, analytical method development, and radiation biodosimetry.
  • Possesses a basic understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related scientific principles.
  • Demonstrates familiarity with laboratory techniques such as pipetting, solution preparation, dilution calculations, and spectrophotometric measurements.
  • Applys quantitative data analysis skills and interpreting scientific results.
  • Works effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Communicates technical information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to laboratory safety.
  • Shows an interest in developing innovative technologies for biological detection, radiation biodosimetry, and emergency response applications.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
    

Working Conditions:

• Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.

Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What we offer Students:

• Paid Statutory Holidays (within the working term);
• 1 Company Floating Holiday;
• Instead of cumulative vacation time, students receive an additional 4% of earnings on each pay!

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment

Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.

Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities.

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [e-mail] . All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.