Research Associate, Detection and automation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health and dental coverage

Pension plan

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada (NRC) seeks a Research Associate, Detection and Automation in Edmonton to support the Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre. The role emphasizes developing portable, automated detection devices for environmental contaminants and working within a highly collaborative team.

The incumbent will contribute to experimental design, device testing, and integration of solutions into field-ready packages while advancing new detection methods and protocols for

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• Must have received PhD within last five years or expect degree within six months.
• Experience in biosensors and chemical sensors development and integration.
• Experience with electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements.
• Experience in planning, conducting, documenting and analyzing sensor experiments.
• Proven ability to document results in reports and publications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design of experiments and technology testing for detection devices.
• Integrate devices into field-deployable packages for environmental monitoring.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team to advance sensing methods and protocols.
• Prepare scientific reports and present findings at conferences.

Job description

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Research Associate, Detection and automation

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

OrganizationalUnit:Quantum and Nanotechnologies

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 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 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

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

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 oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

• 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.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• 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.
• 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

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 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

• 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 therequisition number (25944) to:

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