Research Engineer

Employment and Social Development Canada; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Natural Resources Canada, CanmetMATERIALS-Hamilton, seeks a Research Engineer in the Research Affiliate Program to develop Mn-based rare-earth-free permanent magnets. The student will perform SPS processing, XRD and neutron diffraction analyses, and data interpretation at McMaster facilities, contributing to multidisciplinary research efforts.

You must be enrolled in a graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or Metallurgy, with preference to citizens or

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven hands-on experience with Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) equipment.
• Experience with structural characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction.
• Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare bulk magnetic materials using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and optimize processing parameters to improve densification and phase purity.
• Perform structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction to determine crystal structure, magnetic structure, phase composition, and atomic site occupancy.
• Assist in designing and executing experiments, maintaining accurate laboratory records, and interpreting results.
• Operate specialized research facilities at McMaster University, including SPS, XRD, PPMS, and the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) neutron diffraction facility, in accordance with facility procedures and safety requirements.

Skills

Independently conduct experiments

Data analysis

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering / Chemistry / Physics / Metallurgy

Tools

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

Neutron Diffraction

Job description

Research Engineer - Research Affiliate Program

Natural Resources Canada- Energy Efficiency and Technology Sector - CanmetMATERIALS-Hamilton

Closing date:August 28, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Selection process number
2026-RSN-EA-EETS-681042

Employment tenure
The student will work 20 hours per week over a 2-year period.

Salary
$32.31 per hour-$33,602.40 per year

Who can apply
You are eligible for this program if you meet these 3 requirements:1. You are a full-time student in a post-secondary institution;
2. You are enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of your curriculum;
3. You meet the minimum age required in the province/territory of work;This includes students with physical or emotional disabilities deemed to have full-time status by their academic institution. Adult students registered in education and retraining programs at the secondary level may also be eligible for student employment programs.Note: Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the job requirements.

Duties
The Research Affiliate Program (RAP) student will support the development of Mn-based rare-earth-free permanent magnets through materials processing, characterization, and data analysis. The primary duties include: a) Independently prepare bulk magnetic materials using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and optimize processing parameters to improve densification and phase purity. b) Perform structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction to determine crystal structure, magnetic structure, phase composition, and atomic site occupancy. c) Assist in designing and executing experiments, maintaining accurate laboratory records, and interpreting research results. d) Operate specialized research facilities at McMaster University, including SPS, XRD, PPMS, and the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) neutron diffraction facility, in accordance with facility procedures and safety requirements.

Intent of the process
The intent of this process is to hire one (1) PhD student.

Positions to be filled
1

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Note: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:

• Current enrollment in a graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• Previous hands-on experience operating Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) equipment.
• Experience with structural characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Experience performing neutron diffraction experiments and data analysis.Note: In the context of student recruitment in the Federal Public Service, the experience can be acquired through the studies, work experience, or volunteer activities.

Abilities:

• Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments, analyze experimental data, and interpret results.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

• A cover letter-In your cover letter, please describe: 1) How you have demonstrated the ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and interpret results, and 2) How you have demonstrated the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team, using specific examples.
• A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.