Chemical Process Research Scientist

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Benefits Day One

Tuition support

Pension plan

Job summary

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is seeking a senior researcher/engineer to advance nuclear and fusion technologies at Chalk River. You will lead cross‑disciplinary teams, drive process designs, and support national programs and emerging ventures.

This onsite role emphasizes safety, project milestones, funding proposals, and mentorship. The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree (PhD preferred), 3–5 years of applied research experience, and hands‑on experience with chemical process engineering and

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or Science from a recognized university.
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Chemistry or Physics preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in applied research.
• Industrial or institutional experience preferred.
• Postdoctoral or related field experience is an asset.
• Experience with large-scale lab test loops is an asset.
• Chemical process engineering experience is essential.
• Experience with process simulation software is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the safe execution of all activities within your area of responsibility.
• Aligning project priorities with Directorate objectives and the overall Science & Technology value proposition.
• Leading and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists to achieve project goals.
• Driving project progress by delivering technical milestones and meeting project commitments.
• Supervising and mentoring staff contributing to your projects.
• Developing and submitting proposals to secure funding for CNL research programs and commercial opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

Skills

Chemical process engineering

MS Office

Safety procedures in lab

Nuclear fundamentals

Process thermodynamics

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering or Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Chemistry or Physics

Tools

Commercial process simulation software

Job description

Can you see yourself pushing the boundaries of clean-energy innovation and watching your work make a real-world impact? Do you love diving into advanced research, developing new process designs, and contributing to breakthroughs in heavy-water production, tritium processing, and fusion-energy technologies?

Do you want to be part of a team of experts whose work supports national programs and fuels emerging commercial ventures?

If you’re nodding yes, then this is your opportunity to help shape the next generation of nuclear and fusion technologies in Canada!

What will you be doing!

• Ensuring the safe execution of all activities within your area of responsibility.
• Aligning project priorities with Directorate objectives and the overall Science & Technology value proposition.
• Leading and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists to achieve project goals.
• Driving project progress by delivering technical milestones and meeting project commitments.
• Supervising and mentoring staff contributing to your projects.
• Developing and submitting proposals to secure funding for CNL research programs and commercial opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • At minimum, a Master’s Degree in Engineering or Science from a university of recognized standing or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization
  • A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Chemistry or Physics is preferred.
• Experience
  • A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in applied research is required.
  • Experience in an industrial or institutional setting is preferred.
  • Postdoctoral or work experience in related field(s) is an asset.
  • Experience with the operation of large-scale or laboratory-scale chemistry/chemical engineering test loops would be an asset.
  • Chemical process engineering experience is essential.
  • Experience in process simulation using commercial software is an asset.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Proficiency in fundamentals of science & engineering - chemical process systems, chemical thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and mass/heat transfer, nuclear fundamentals
  • Proficiency in MS Office suite is required.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures in laboratory operations is essential.
  • Knowledge of QA, licence and design code requirements for projects is an asset.
• 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:

• Project deadlines and spontaneous demands that require the incumbent to work beyond the typical workday occur regularly.
• Visual concentration is required for reviewing reports, analyzing information, developing budgets, etc.

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: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:

• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
• Benefits effective Day One - no waiting period
• Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
• A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long-term financial security

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
• Restoring and protecting the environment
• Contributing to the health of Canadians

If so, you'll feel right at home at CNL!

Location: Fully Onsite

This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. 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. Click here to read all about it!

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

• Respect
• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Safety
• Integrity
• Excellence

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.