Research Associate, Detection and automation

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

Job summary

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada seeks a Research Associate, Detection and Automation, to advance environmental sensing technologies within the Quantum and Nanotechnologies research centre in Edmonton. The role emphasizes designing experiments, testing devices, and integrating systems for field deployment.

Candidates should hold a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields and have recent or near-term

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• PhD must be received within the last five years or expected within six months.
• Clearly demonstrate experience in chemical/biological sensors development.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments and test analytical devices for environmental sensing.
• Develop, document, and analyze sensor fabrication and measurement methods.
• Integrate sensors into field-deployable packages with rigorous QA.

Skills

Analytical measurements

Sensors fabrication

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry / Biomedical Engineering / Chemical Engineering

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.

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

City: Edmonton

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.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy , accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for a Research Associate, Detection and Automation (RA) to support our Quantum and Nanotechnologies (QN) Research Centre. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Our team is developing a variety of techniques for measuring materials important in the environment, including contaminents and pathogens, in cost effective and portable devices that can be automated. We are seeking a candidate that is looking for a dynamic, team-oriented setting to contribute to creating, new detection methods, devices, and protocols that can provide critical information about environmental contaminants.

These devices are intended to identify threats in the environment, where key problems from our collaborators inspire our efforts. Key collaborators from ECCC, DFO, and DRDC enable guiding our efforts toward real-world applications, including field tests.

The Research Associate, Detection and Automation will be able to contribute to core development and dissemination of results, including design of experiments, technology testing, and integration of devices into field-deployable packages. All of these activities take place in a team that is highly collaborative and where creativity in finding solutions to various environmental concerns is our guiding principle.

Screening criteria

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.

As part of the RA Program, you must have received your PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience in biological and chemical sensors development and integration.
• Experience with electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements.
• Experience with methods and techniques related to preparing for, conducting, documenting and analyzing experiments/tests in chemical and biological sensors development.
• Experience in the full spectrum of research activities including experimental design, data production, analysis and quality assurance as reported through written documentation, publications and/or presentations.
• Experience in micro/nano-fabrication is an asset.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of analytical measuring principles and techniques.
• Strong ability to perform, analyze, document complex biological and chemical sensors fabrications and related experiments.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary research environment, and ability to set priorities and manage time to maximize productivity.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to write scientific reports, either as scientific publications or similar.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present scientific findings to research audiences at national or international conferences.

Behavioural competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff through the Research Associate (RA) Program at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641.

NOTE: Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985.

NRC employees 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’s Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• 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 (25944) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: 19 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

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