Research Officer, Building Acoustics

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Robust pension plan

Health and dental coverage

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa is seeking a Research Officer, Building Acoustics to support the Construction Research Centre. The RO will design measurements, manage projects, and help apply advanced acoustics technologies for building performance.

The role requires advanced degrees in engineering with strong experience in sound transmission, measurement systems and reporting. A hybrid work arrangement may be available, with relocation support as appropriate.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering such as acoustic, architectural, civil, mechanical or electrical.
• Master’s degree with relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience designing and conducting research on sound transmission in buildings.
• Experience in experimental design, data collection and quality control.
• Experience using measurement systems and analysis to characterize sound fields.
• Experience in identifying research requirements, proposal writing and reporting.
• Experience with standards or building codes related to acoustical performance would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research on control of sound transmission in multi-unit buildings.
• Perform measurements for research projects and provide project management support.
• Transfer research findings to industry and stakeholders.
• Contribute to direction and priorities for the research program within the center.

Skills

Knowledge of physical acoustics

Acoustic measurement

Research teamwork

Research communication

Results orientation

Education

PhD in Engineering (Acoustic/Architectural/Civil/Mechanical/Electrical)

Master’s degree in Engineering (with relevant experience)

Tools

Measurement systems

Acoustic measurement techniques

Job description

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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.

OrganizationalUnit: Construction

Classification: RO

Duration: 3 years

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

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.

Discover the possible

The role

We are looking for a Research Officer, Building Acoustics to support our Construction Research Centre. The Research Officer, Building Acoustics would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The primary responsibility of the Research Officer (RO) is to support the goals of NRC and the Research Centre through research of and the development and application of advanced technologies. The RO works in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities include designing and making measurements for research projects, project management, and providing service to NRC clients. The RO provides input into the overall direction and research priorities for the program area within the context of the Research Centre business plan.

As part of a multidisciplinary team developing and deploying technical solutions for construction sector clients, the incumbent will support and conduct research activities dealing with the control of sound transmission in multi-unit buildings. Research activities focus on characterizing the acoustic performance of multi-unit construction, relating this performance to key construction details, modifying the design details to achieve enhanced performance for airborne and impact sound insulation.

Transferring research findings to industry and stakeholders is also an important responsibility of this position

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 a relevant field of Engineering such as Acoustic, Architectural, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical.

A Master’s degree in a relevant field of Engineering combined with relevant experience may be considered.

• Experience in designing and conducting research activities dealing with the evaluation and control of sound transmission in buildings.
• Experience in experimental design and analysis including data collection and analysis, overseeing data production, and ensuring data quality.
• Experience using measurement systems and analysis techniques to characterize sound fields and sound transmission.
• Experience in identification of research requirements, proposal writing, project management, and reporting through written documentation, presentations and publishing.
• Experience working with standards, specifications, or building codes dealing with acoustical performance of buildings would be 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:

• Knowledge of physical acoustics, including sound transmission in buildings.
• Knowledge of measurement instrumentation and methods to characterize direct and flanking transmission in buildings for airborne and impact sound. For example:
• Measurement of STC rating
• Measurement of IIC rating
• Solid knowledge of acoustical signal analysis.
• Ability to design and use electro-acoustic instrumentation systems to measure, control, and characterize sound fields in buildings.
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739to $183,010per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

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.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• 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 (25630) to:

Closing Date: 8 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

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