Postdoctoral Fellow, Next-Generation Smart Battery Management System

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health and dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead development of a next-generation BMS platform for electrified transportation and energy storage. You will advance three components from early-stage work to working hardware, including real-time thermal mapping with embedded sensors.

In year two, you will build and benchmark an active cell-balancing prototype, collaborating with NRC researchers and external partners, with opportunities to publish and patent.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting research in energy storage, power electronics, or embedded systems.
• Experience using programming and data analysis software such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Experience designing, building, or testing electronic hardware or battery systems in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on next-generation NRC-built BMS platform and three components.
• Embed FBG sensor arrays into battery modules and connect to platform for real-time mapping.
• Develop active cell-balancing prototype and benchmark against passive balancing.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

PhD in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Next-Generation Smart Battery Management System

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.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

OrganizationalUnit:Automotive and Surface Transportation

Classification:RO

Duration: 2 years

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.

The program

Next-Generation Battery Management System for Electrified Transportation and Energy Storage

The role

Battery systems are central to electrified transportation, including electric vehicles, trains, and aircraft. Every battery pack requires a battery management system (BMS), an electronic controller that monitors, protects, and optimizes battery operation. Current BMS technology has critical gaps: existing platforms are closed and restrict research use; temperature sensing is sparse, forcing engineers to rely on unreliable simulation models; and the standard cell-balancing method wastes energy as heat.

This project will develop a next-generation, NRC-built BMS platform integrating three novel capabilities: a flexible, cloud-connected architecture for research use; fiber Bragg grating (FBG) optical sensors embedded in battery packs, providing hundreds of real‑time temperature sensing points to support thermal management and fast charging; and an active cell-balancing prototype that redistributes energy between cells rather than dissipating it. The project will produce peer-reviewed publications and patent opportunities, and directly supports Canada's net-zero transportation goals.

As the postdoctoral fellow, you will be the primary researcher on this project, taking each of its three components from early-stage work to working hardware. In your first year, you will be a part of the development of the NRC BMS platform, expanding its hardware and software capability. Across both years, you will build on a completed proof of concept to embed FBG sensor arrays into battery modules and connect them to the platform for real‑time thermal mapping. In your second year, you will develop a physical active cell-balancing prototype and benchmark it against conventional passive balancing.

You will work with a high degree of autonomy, supported by a project lead and other team members. You will have hands‑on access to NRC’s state‑of‑the‑art battery testing facility and will collaborate with researchers across NRC, including the Aerospace and Construction research centres, as well as external partners. In this role, you will build expertise in embedded sensing, power electronics, and software development, and you will be encouraged to publish in peer‑reviewed journals, present at conferences, and pursue patents arising from the work.

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or in a field related to the position.

• Experience conducting research in a field related to energy storage, power electronics, or embedded systems.
• Experience using programming and data analysis software such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.

The following experience criteria would be considered assets:

• Experience designing, building, or testing electronic hardware or battery systems in a laboratory setting.
• Experience working with battery management systems and related functions such as state estimation, cell balancing, or thermal management.
• Experience developing embedded firmware for microcontrollers.
• Experience using cloud connectivity, IoT systems, and connected devices.

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.

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 foster 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

• 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 therequisition number (26200) to:

Closing Date: 07 January 2027 - 23:59 Eastern Time

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.