Research & Development (R&D) Scientist (Chemistry & Materials)

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; Chalk River; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research & Development Scientist to drive innovation in nuclear chemistry and materials. This role emphasizes conducting groundbreaking research on radiation chemistry, focusing on polymer degradation in nuclear applications. You will collaborate with a talented team, utilizing advanced facilities to tackle critical challenges in energy solutions and environmental protection. Join a forward-thinking organization that values safety, integrity, and excellence, and contribute to vital projects that shape the future of clean energy and health for Canadians. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a pristine natural environment.

Benefits

Paid time off

Benefits effective day one

Tuition support

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in nuclear applications.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation and numerical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D in radiation chemistry and materials.
• Lead analyses on radiation degradation mechanisms.
• Supervise technical staff and represent CNL at meetings.

Skills

Numerical analysis methods

Scientific instrumentation troubleshooting

Computer modeling

High-temperature/high-pressure systems

Process chemistry systems

Material degradation knowledge

Radiation chemistry

Chemical kinetics

Laboratory safety commitment

Education

Master's in Engineering or Science

Ph.D. in Engineering or Science

Tools

2.5 MeV Van de Graaff electron accelerator

Gamma cells

Job description

Our Chalk River location is looking for a Research & Development (R&D) Scientist (Chemistry & Materials) to support our Reactor Chemistry & Corrosion Branch. Can you see yourself in a role where you will be conducting R&D in chemistry and materials, focusing on radiation chemistry in nuclear applications and conducting radiolysis in water systems in and around the core of water-cooled nuclear reactors and the degradation of polymeric materials? If so, apply today!

What will you be doing!

• Contributing to a team performing fundamental and applied research on power station materials integrity and systems chemistry issues.
• Planning, execution and reporting of laboratory-based experimental studies using branch irradiation facilities.
• Leading chemical and material analyses to understand radiation degradation mechanisms.
• Operating and maintaining of branch irradiation facilities, which include a 2.5 MeV Van de Graaff electron accelerator and three gamma cells.
• Developing and applying computer models for radiation chemistry.
• Supervising of technical staff.
• Representing CNL at domestic and international technical and industry meetings related to relevant research and application areas.
• Troubleshooting and remediation of issues related to systems chemistry in numerous nuclear power plant systems and providing chemistry consulting services to internal customers at the Chalk River site.
• Interacting with CNL experts in a wide range of disciplines to provide a “one-stop service” in chemistry, materials and operations to industry.
• Interfacing with management leadership with the ability to succinctly demonstrate the technical value of a scientific idea.
• Developing relationships and external networks of industry contacts with the goal of increasing CNL’s commercial revenue streams.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Master's in Engineering or Science from a university of recognized standing, or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization, plus a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience. OR
  • Ph.D in Engineering or Science from a university of recognized standing, or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
• Experience
  • Practical experience with numerical analysis methods.
  • Experience with and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation, optics, electronics and vacuum systems.
  • Experience in developing and running computer models.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • The ability to produce high-quality work and a proven track record in publishing technical reports and papers.
  • Work experience in chemistry and materials behaviour in nuclear applications.
  • Practical experience with high-temperature/high-pressure systems for scientific research.
  • Practical knowledge of process chemistry systems (i.e., pipes, pumps, and valves).
  • Some knowledge of material degradation (i.e., corrosion) processes.
  • Knowledge of the ageing of polymeric materials would be an asset.
  • A demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, including a good working knowledge of the hazards associated with chemicals, radioactive materials and systems involving high temperatures and pressures.
  • A demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, including a good working knowledge of chemical hazards.
  • Training in the safe operation of irradiation facilities.
  • Practical knowledge of ISO 9001 or an equivalent Quality Assurance program.
  • A sound understanding of radiation chemistry and/or chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms. An understanding of testing aged polymeric materials.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

Why CNL?
Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you? We're reinventing ourselves to be the pacesetters so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better-targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

We offer a complete total rewards package:

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal);
• Benefits effective day one, that’s right, no waiting period;
• Tuition support
• and a pension!

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

Location:
This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. CNL’s Chalk River laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an area that is environmentally pristine with extensive forests, hills and numerous small lakes, all of which support a variety of wildlife typical to the southern edge of the Canadian Shield . Many surrounding towns, such as Pembroke, Petawawa and Deep River, provide you with unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep!

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities. Read here further on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and a corporate culture that is built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity and Excellence which encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects inclusive of accommodations for all employees.

CNL is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please indicate via our ATS when applying. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

The Chalk River Laboratories site is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. As an organization, CNL recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. CNL also recognizes the contributions that First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.