Postdoctoral Fellow, Inorganic Polymer Synthesis for Advanced Ceramic

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The NRC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program invites applicants to join the Quantum and Nanotechnologies unit in Ottawa for two-year term appointments. Fellows will work on high‑yield printable polymers for extreme refractory materials, contributing to precursor chemistry and material processing with access to specialized facilities.

Applicants should have a PhD in chemistry or related field and experience in synthetic chemistry; English language proficiency is required, with the possibility of

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry with demonstrated experience in synthetic chemistry.
• Experience in one or more of the listed areas would be an asset.
• Fellows will work in a lab under direct supervision of an NRC researcher.

Responsibilities

• Develop inorganic and organometallic precursors for polymer-derived materials.
• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize preceramic polymers and related precursors.
• Link molecular structure to ceramic yield, pyrolysis behavior and phase evolution.

Skills

Synthetic polymer chemistry

Inorganic/organometallic synthesis

Air/moisture-sensitive synthesis

Coordination chemistry

Polymer and molecular characterization

Thermal analysis

Microstructural characterization

Additive manufacturing / coating

Education

PhD in chemistry or closely related discipline

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

City:

Ottawa

Organizational Unit:

Quantum and Nanotechnologies

Classification:

RO

Tenure:

Term

Duration:

2 years

Language Requirements:

English

Work arrangements:

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified. At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

The program

The NRC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program offers PDFs access to unique world-class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside multi-disciplinary teams of expert researchers and technicians on projects of critical importance to Canada. PDFs will carry out research on innovative research projects, with opportunities for career development (publications and/or industry interaction).

PDFs will be offered appointments to the staff of the National Research Council on a term basis and will be offered salaries and benefits currently available to Research Officers. Salaries commensurate with experience are taxable and subject to other deductions. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.

Project title

High-Yield Printable Polymers for Extreme Refractory Materials (HYPER Materials)

The role

Extreme environments in defence, aerospace, space, and advanced energy systems involve combinations of high temperature, oxidation, reactive atmospheres, thermal shock, mechanical loading, and erosion that exceed the limits of many conventional materials.

The PDF will contribute to the development of NRC capability in inorganic and organometallic precursors for polymer-derived refractory and ultra‑high‑temperature ceramics, including designing, synthesizing, purifying, and characterizing transition‑metal‑containing preceramic polymers, coordination‑complex precursor systems, and related inorganic or hybrid precursors. The work will link molecular structure and processing to ceramic yield, pyrolysis behaviour, phase evolution, and composition. The position offers a collaborative team environment and access to specialized facilities for air-/moisture-sensitive chemistry, polymer and molecular characterization, thermal analysis, high‑temperature processing, and microstructural evaluation. Downstream application assessments may include compatibility with coating, infiltration, and 3D printing processes.

Expected outcomes may include new precursor chemistries, publications, conference participation, potential intellectual property, and knowledge to support Canadian defence, aerospace, space, and advanced energy stakeholders.

Education

PhD in chemistry or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated experience in synthetic chemistry. For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:
• synthetic polymer chemistry;
• inorganic or organometallic synthesis;
• air-/moisture-sensitive synthesis;
• coordination chemistry;
• preceramic polymers or polymer-derived ceramics;
• polymer and molecular characterization;
• thermal analysis;
• ceramic conversion or high-temperature processing;
• microstructural characterization; and additive manufacturing or coating processes.

Language requirements

English

Condition of employment

Reliability Status. For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Who is eligible?

• Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
• Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2024*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
• Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.
• Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.

Application requirements

• Resume
• Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
• PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient, it does not have to be an official version.
• List of Publications

In addition, applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation at a later stage of the competition process.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff the position at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and impact, and growth within the role.

Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate's prior experience. This evaluation will consider specific achievements, skills, and contributions that demonstrate the candidate's impact and expertise. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985.

The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Fellowships are open to nationals of all countries, although preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (26286) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date:

7 January 2027 - 23:59 Eastern Time