Fundamental Physics- Ultracold Neutrons Student (On-Site)

TRIUMF; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel cost assistance for students

Competitive total rewards package

Job summary

TRIUMF, Canada's national particle accelerator centre on the UBC campus in Vancouver, seeks an undergraduate co-op research assistant to support the TUCAN collaboration in ultracold neutron experiments. You will help commission a next‑generation UCN source and contribute to precision measurements while working with an international team.

The role offers hands-on experience with hardware, Python-based workflows, and experiment integration, plus opportunities to participate in international

Qualifications

• Undergraduate in Physics or Engineering, co-op eligible.
• Some Python experience and basic lab troubleshooting.
• Organised, safety-minded, and able to communicate in a team.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning of ultracold neutron source and instrumentation.
• Assist with magnetic field studies and sensor setup.
• Build Python tools for data analysis and monitoring.
• Collaborate with international partners and attend meetings.

Skills

Python

Lab troubleshooting

Team communication

Organized

Safety minded

Education

Undergraduate in Physics/Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre, and one of the world's leading laboratories for particle and nuclear physics and accelerator-based science. TRIUMF's diverse community of nearly 600 multidisciplinary researchers, engineers, technicians, tradespeople, staff, and students create a unique incubator for Canadian excellence, as well as a portal to premier global collaborations. Fueling innovation and improving lives, we are committed to accelerating discovery and shaping a better world. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

TRIUMF’s student program typically hires ~40 students each term from across all disciplines who hang together socially and professionally during the term, and beyond. Our program offers young minds a chance to gather, learn, make new friends, and have fun doing so during their time at TRIUMF. We hold weekly ProD sessions for students which include different activities such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and active listening. Additionally, we hold weekly seminars about the different experiments at TRIUMF, and these talks specifically cater to students. Located on the UBC campus makes it easier for students to make friends, create memories, and explore Vancouver all while working at TRIUMF. TRIUMF’s student program is more than just a place to work, its learning, memories, friendships, exploration, and development all clubbed into one.

Position Summary

TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle accelerator centre, is seeking an undergraduate co‑op research assistant to support the TUCAN collaboration. This exciting opportunity involves working on cutting‑edge fundamental physics experiments focused on ultracold neutrons. The successful candidate will assist in the commissioning of a next‑generation ultracold neutron source, contributing to precision measurements of neutron properties and the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning of the next‑generation ultracold neutron (UCN) source and associated instrumentation.
• Assist with magnetic field studies (field mapping/monitoring, shielding/coil investigations) and magnetic sensor setup/calibration.
• Build Python tools for data analysis/visualisation and experiment monitoring.
• Contribute to mechanical/CAD design and integration of experimental components; help with lab assembly, testing, and documentation.
• Participate in TUCAN/TRIUMF meetings and collaborate with international partners.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate in Physics/Engineering (co‑op eligible); strong interest in experimental research.
• Some experience with Python and basic lab troubleshooting; CAD/mechanical design is an asset.
• Organised, safety‑minded, and able to communicate progress in a team environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Hands‑on experience commissioning a major precision fundamental physics experiment.
• Skills in hardware, Python‑based scientific workflows, and experiment hardware integration.
• Exposure to working in an international collaboration and producing technical documentation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranges from $ 2815 to $ 4238 per month including 4% vacation pay.
• Travel cost assistance for students outside the Vancouver and surrounding area.
• Competitive total rewards package that promotes well‑being and security.

Contract & Working Hours

Undergraduate co‑op research assistant – Period of Work (possible 4 month extension): January 04, 2027 - April 30, 2027.

EEO & Diversity Statement

TRIUMF is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified undergraduate students as defined below (unless stated otherwise above):

Canadian undergraduate students or Canadian Permanent Resident undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited post‑secondary institution in Canada (or outside Canada) who are studying in a vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.

Foreign full‑time undergraduate students currently enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post‑secondary level, and who are studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration, and who have a valid Canadian study permit which allows for employment off‑campus, and who have applied for a Social Insurance Number.

Foreign undergraduate students enrolled in a recognised undergraduate programme of study abroad who have accepted, or are in the process of accepting, an \"Invitation to Apply\" for a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) programme.

Application Deadline

Applications closing date: September 21, 2026.

Location

TRIUMF, Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, is situated on the vibrant south campus of the University of British Columbia, nestled within the beautiful Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, BC.

Contact Information

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

4004 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 2A3

Established in 1968 in Vancouver, TRIUMF is Canada’s particle accelerator centre. The lab is a hub for discovery and innovation inspired by a half‑century of ingenuity in answering some of nature’s most challenging questions. From the hunt for the smallest particles in the universe to the development of new technologies, TRIUMF solves problems and delivers impact. We drive compelling research and create ideas and innovations that benefit humanity.