Jr. Nuclear Reactor Analyst

McMaster University; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton is seeking an entry-level Nuclear Reactor Analyst to support the MNR analysis group. You will perform reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics and radiation transport analyses under supervision, developing and validating simulation tools.

The role collaborates with reactor operations staff, researchers, faculty, students and external partners to enable isotope production and neutron beam science while contributing to safety and knowledge transfer within the group.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a relevant field.
• Knowledge of reactor analysis, radiation transport and related physics.
• Experience with nuclear industry codes and HPC environments.
• Experience with scripting and automation using Python.
• Willingness to work under supervision on research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized research experiments using specialized equipment and instruments.
• Analyze and solve engineering research problems as described in projects or contracts.
• Apply scientific methods to solve problems in a specialized field.
• Collect, evaluate, and analyze data from experiments.
• Develop and adapt software for data collection and analysis.
• Prepare sections of scientific reports and contract documents.
• Summarize data and present technical findings in reports.

Skills

Reactor physics

Thermal-hydraulics

Radiation transport

Python scripting

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering or relevant field

Tools

Nuclear industry codes

High-performance computing

Job description

Schedule Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (35 hours/ week) (Hybrid Schedule Available) 60-minute unpaid lunch

Education Level Master's degree in Engineering or relevant field of study

Career Level Entry-level

JD JD1445

Expected Start Date October 2026

Unit/Project Description

Nuclear at McMaster is a unique combination of commercial operations, research, and teaching facilities.

The facility consists of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor along with support facilities including Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems,

Small Angle Neutron Scattering, Accelerator, McMaster University Cyclotron Facility, High Level Laboratory Facility, McMaster Positron facility and

9 other cost centres within Nuclear at McMaster.

Nuclear at McMaster facilitates and enables dozens of investigators from approximately 25 Universities to

conduct foundational and translational research by providing operational, analytical, technical, regulatory and project management

staffing for faculty-led research initiatives, and training and support services for researchers who wish to work independently.

McMaster Nuclear is expanding the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) analysis group and is seeking a Jr. Nuclear Reactor Analyst

to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the MNR. The incumbent will perform analyses in the areas of reactor physics,

thermal-hydraulics, and radiation physics.

Key areas of work include predicting reactor performance and safety characteristics, analyzing experimental results, performing safety case design

calculations for irradiation projects, and developing and validating simulation tools and methods. Working collaboratively with reactor operations staff,

researchers, faculty, students, and external stakeholders, the Nuclear Reactor Analyst supports a wide range of activities including isotope production,

neutron beam science, and academic research. The role contributes technical expertise to reactor initiatives and supports knowledge transfer within the

reactor analysis group.

Job Summary

Entry level position responsible for implementing, analyzing and reporting on assigned research projects under supervision in the fields of nuclear reactor analysis and radiation transport. Requires knowledge of specialized scientific/technical methods and techniques in a specialized field or discipline.

Purpose and Key Functions

• Conduct standardized research experiments using specialized equipment and instruments.

• Analyze and solve a variety of engineering research problems as presented in the research project or contract.

• Apply standardized scientific methods and principles from a specialized field or discipline to solve problems.

• Collect, evaluate, and analyze data.

• Will use a variety of computer software programs to perform complex calculations.

• Write and adapt computer software required for, but not limited to, data collection, and mathematical and statistical analysis.

• Write sections of scientific reports and papers for inclusion in journal publications and contract reports.

• Format and summarize data and write technical reports based on research findings.

• May be required to develop and deliver technical presentations to colleagues, industry, and contract agencies.

• Recommend resource requirements and in consultation with supervisor will determine priorities in order to schedule work activities.

• Provide advice in a specialized field to colleagues, collaborators, and students.

• Exchanges technical and scientific information with others.

• Liaise with external clients and project partners.

• Remain current with frequent advances in a technical field or scientific discipline.

• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.

• Deliver training on reactor physics.

Supervision

• No formal supervision of others is required

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a relevant field of study.
  

Assets

Knowledge of and experience in nuclear engineering principles, theories and practices for the analysis of reactor systems.

Experience in one or more of neutronics/reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, radiation transport.

Experience with nuclear industry codes.

Experience with high-performance computing systems.

Experience with scripting and task automation with modern tools, including Python

Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail

Additional Information

• Security clearance will be required in order to perform this role, due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear facility’s operations and regulatory licensing requirements.

• This position is conditional upon the candidate’s ability to successfully obtain or provide proof of a license to use export controlled software

Nuclear Operations Security Provisions

Security clearances and background checks are necessary due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear facility’s operations and regulatory licensing (Nuclear Safety Control Act) requirements. As a condition of employment for this Appointment, you must successfully complete the appropriate and necessary security screenings / clearances (documentation will follow in a separate email). You will be advised in writing by the University whether this condition has been met upon the University's receipt of the results. If you are unsuccessful in these processes, then you will not be able to meet the job requirements and as a result your employment with the University will be terminated.

Being a Nuclear Energy Worker

You will be declared a Nuclear Energy Worker. Given the nature of the work environment where you will be performing your duties, which includes entering and working in radiological hazardous environments, the University requires the use of protective equipment such as respirators, protective clothing, and gloves, as necessary to enter these areas. The University is committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.