Research Associate, Quantum Metrology

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust pension plan

Health and dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) invites applications for a Research Associate position in the Metrology Research Centre. The role requires a PhD within the last five years in electrical engineering, optics, physics, engineering physics, or a closely related field, with strong lab experience and data analysis capabilities.

As an early-career professional, you will engage in experimental research on optical and metrology topics, collaborate with teams, and contribute to technical reports

Qualifications

• As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD within the last five years or expect to within six months.
• Hands-on experience in a scientific lab and with laboratory test equipment.
• Experience with quantum/nonlinear optics and optical components.
• Experience collecting and analysing data and disseminating results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research in optical/metrology domains.
• Develop and implement experimental methods and data analyses.
• Disseminate results through reports and publications.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to communicate findings.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Quantum optics

Nonlinear optics

Atomic and molecular physics

Optical components

Data collection and analysis

Experimental control programming

Data acquisition and analysis

Laboratory measurement devices

Programming languages for experiments

Education

PhD in electrical engineering, optics, physics or related field

Master's in engineering physics or physics (with relevant experience)

Tools

Python

Metrology

Infrared spectroscopy

Optical spectroscopy

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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.

OrganizationalUnit:Metrology Research Centre

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.

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

A doctoral degree in electrical engineering, optics, physics, engineering physics or a closely related field.
A Master’s degree in engineering physics, engineering (electrical, mechanical, other), or in physics, along with relevant experience may also be considered.

As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

• Hands-on experience in a scientific lab setting and using a variety of laboratory test equipment;
• Experience working with quantum optics, nonlinear optics and/or atomic and molecular physics;
• Experience working with optical components and systems;
• Experience collecting and analysing data; and dissemination of results.

Experience in the following are assets:

• Python or other programming experience;
• Metrology;
• Infrared spectroscopy
• Optical spectroscopy

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:

• Solid knowledge of laboratory measurement devices;
• Extensive knowledge of physical principles;
• Solid knowledge of programming languages for experimental control, data acquisition and data analysis;
• Ability to identify problems related to experimental techniques or approaches and/or to propose or develop solutions;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct experimental research in relevant areas; and
• Ability to write high quality research articles, technical reports, and to communicate research findings to partners and clients.
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 3)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research - Networking (Level 2)
• Research - Communication (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at theRCO-2/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-rangeofcompetitive 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.

Closing Date: 7 September 2026 - 23:59 Eastern