Research Officer Diagnostic R&D Scientist

Canada Energy Regulator Site; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 64,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research institution in Montreal seeks a Diagnostic R&D Scientist to develop and validate diagnostic tools. You will lead projects in the Cell Models and Antibody Technology team, focusing on innovative biotechnology solutions that impact healthcare. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D., experience in assay development, and a passion for scientific innovation. Competitive salary and hybrid work arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage

Pension plan

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Ph.D degree with post-doctoral experience in a related field.
• Experience in diagnostic test development and validation.
• Strong knowledge of biosensors and signal detections.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of lateral flow assays and biosensor platforms.
• Provide scientific guidance in diagnostic platform development.
• Plan and execute experiments, troubleshooting and analyzing data.

Skills

Diagnostic assay development

Synthetic biology

Project management

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D in Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, or Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Lateral flow assays

Biosensors

Job description

Overview

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 : Montréal

Organizational Unit : Medical Devices

Classification : RO

Tenure : Term

Duration : 2 years

Language Requirements : English or French

Work Arrangements : Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

At 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 hiring team using the contact information below.

The Role

We are looking for a diagnostic R&D scientist to be part of the Cell Models and Antibody Technology team within our Medical Devices Research Centre (MD). The research officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity.

The diagnostic scientist will develop, optimize and validate tools that detect diseases, conditions or biomarkers. This important role spans biology, engineering and applied research with a strong focus on translating science into practical healthcare solutions. You will bring expertise in diagnostic assay development (e.g. lateral flow assays) and synthetic biology. Key responsibilities include designing and validating novel detection and biosensing platforms, driving innovation in diagnostic assay development and leading projects spanning internal R&D, industry partnerships and academic collaborations. The role also involves scientific leadership, data-driven execution and knowledge dissemination through publications, conferences, grants and outreach which will help position Canada at the forefront of diagnostic technologies.

If you are a scientist who shares our core NRC values of integrity, excellence, respect, creativity, collaboration and a strong passion for developing technology to support the Canada biotechnology ecosystem we want to get to know you.

Duties include :

• Providing scientific expertise and guidance in diagnostic platform development, validation and qualification and synthetic biology to support the DHMT directorate and the Cell Models and Antibody Technology Team Leader.
• Leading the design and development of lateral flow assays, synthetic biology systems and biosensor platforms; plan and execute experiments, troubleshoot and analyze data ensuring robust performance across diverse disease applications.
• Deploying and promoting diagnostic platform development capacities through collaboration (academia, industry and other government departments), scientific publication, intellectual property generation and technology transfer.
• Innovation and research with continued technology scouting, staying up to date with scientific literature and emerging technologies. Good knowledge of competitive landscape and IP strategy is a strong asset.
• Lead scientific discussions and present findings at internal meetings, international scientific conferences and to external stakeholders and collaborators.
• Project leadership: plan, manage and coordinate projects, project costing/pricing, plans, timelines and deliverables, acting as an expert lead in a multidisciplinary team.

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

Ph.D degree with post-doctoral experience in a Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, Biomedical engineering or related field with a focus on diagnostic assay development.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience in lateral flow assay and other diagnostic test development and validation with a demonstrated history of product development.
• Experience with developing assays across multiple platforms (protein, nucleic acid, cell-based).
• Experience working on diverse applications (infectious disease, oncology, biomarkers, etc.).
• Experience in synthetic biology, molecular biology, genetic and cell engineering.
• Experience managing research projects and documenting product development.
• Industrial environment experience in the field of biotechnology and biotechnology transfer to a contract research organization (CRO) is an asset.
• Experience in supervision of resources and budget management.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language Requirements

English or French

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

• Core knowledge of antibody discovery, characterization strategy for antibody lead selection, antigen design, immunoassays, antibody/antigen formulation and stability, conjugation chemistry for diagnostic assays development.
• Skilled in assay design for sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and scalability.
• Validation expertise: experienced in analytical/clinical validation (LoD, LoQ, precision, linearity etc.).
• Solid understanding of cell culture and engineering (bacterial, yeast, mammalian) engineered biological systems and biosensors.
• Familiar with ISO 13485, CLIA, FDA, CE-IVD, Health Canada standards.
• General knowledge of biosensors and signal detections applied to molecular detection for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring or biomanufacturing.
• General knowledge of research project management principles and practices.

Behavioural Competencies

• Management services - Client focus (Level 3)
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)
• Research - Partnering (Level 1)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

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 ranges from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world-renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

Note : Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. 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 such the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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.

About Medical Devices

The Medical Devices (MD) Research center has the mandate to support economic development through innovation in health care, including innovative diagnostic tests and instruments. The research center’s primary sector of activity is the medical devices and diagnostic industry, with impact on all aspects of life sciences in innovative analytics and biomarker detection (medical diagnostics, point-of-care devices, process analytics, biodefence, cell & gene therapy, etc.).

We support the Canadian ecosystem in the development, translation and implementation of medical device innovations.

Why work with us

Relying on scientific fundamentals and biomedical engineering expertise, we maintain a deep understanding of the research path from idea to market.

We believe we can support the growth of Canada’s medical device ecosystem given our:

• Deep biomedical acumen
• Commitment to research excellence and translation to clinical use
• Strong connectivity with clinicians, industry, academia and government
• Track record of ideation-to-market with the ability to skillfully navigate at any point of the translation

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology 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.

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 the requisition number (24162) to :

E-mail :

Telephone :

Closing Date : Wednesday 08 October 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources check out Career tools and resources

• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.

Required Experience :

Unclear Seniority

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience,Vendor Management,Design Controls,C / C++,FDA Regulations,Intellectual Property Law,ISO 13485,Research Experience,SolidWorks,Research & Development,Internet Of Things,Product Development

Employment Type : Temp

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Yearly Salary : 64739 - 183010