Research Officer, Structural, Building Envelope Systems and Insulation

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 82,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council of Canada is seeking a Research Officer to advance structural performance research for prefabricated panelized and modular construction systems. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to plan and execute experimental tests, perform numerical modelling, and contribute to code and standards development.

Responsibilities include coordinating with industry partners, publishing results, and reporting findings to support evaluation pathways and design guidance.

Qualifications

• + PhD in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline with expertise in structural analysis and research in prefabricated building systems.
• + Significant experience conducting experimental research on structural systems including lab testing and analysis.
• + Experience with prefabricated panelized or modular systems (walls, floors, roofs, volumetric modules).
• + Experience designing and conducting full-scale or large-scale structural testing.
• + Experience applying analytical or numerical modelling, including finite-element methods, to evaluate structural behaviour.
• + Knowledge of National Building Code of Canada structural requirements and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Support NRC goals through research on structural performance of prefabricated panelized and modular systems.
• Develop, conduct and report research using experimental methods, analysis and modelling.
• Collaborate with industry, CCMC, Codes Canada, and universities; communicate results via reports and publications.

Skills

Structural analysis

Experimental research

Numerical modelling

Code & standards knowledge

Test design

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

Finite-element methods

Job description

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Research Officer, Structural, Building Envelope Systems and Insulation

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 will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

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

The primary responsibility of the Research Officer (RO) is to support the goals of NRC and the Research Centre through research related to the structural performance of prefabricated panelized construction and modular construction systems.

The RO will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop, conduct and report research on the structural performance of prefabricated panelized and modular construction systems, including structural components, assemblies, connections and interfaces.

The RO will apply experimental methods, structural analysis and numerical modelling to address technical and regulatory challenges and develop evidence to support evaluation pathways, potential code and standards development for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

Activities will also include collaboration with the construction and prefabrication industries, Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC), Codes Canada, standards development organizations, universities and other research organizations. Research results will be communicated through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, test methods, and design guidance.

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 Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, with expertise in structural analysis and research experience related to prefabricated building systems, assemblies, and connections.

• Significant* experience conducting experimental research on structural systems, components, assemblies and/or connections, including laboratory testing and analysis of structural performance.
• Experience with prefabricated panelized or modular systems, including walls, floors, roofs and/or volumetric modules.
• Experience designing and conducting full-scale or large-scale structural testing, including static, cyclic or other representative loading of structural components and assemblies.
• Experience applying analytical or numerical modelling, including finite-element methods, to evaluate structural behaviour and complement experimental testing.
• Experience working with building codes, structural standards, industry partners and/or technical committees related to structural performance of buildings or construction systems.

Definition:

*Significant is defined as experience associated with having performed a broad range of related activities considering the complexity, depth and scope of the work handled, as well as the level of responsibility and autonomy demonstrated which would normally be acquired over a period of six (6) years.

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 understanding of structural engineering principles, including load paths, strength, stiffness, stability and serviceability.
• Solid understanding of the structural behaviour of prefabricated panelized construction and modular construction systems.
• Knowledge of structural connections, interfaces and load-transfer mechanisms in prefabricated construction.
• Ability to design structural testing programs, including test configurations, boundary conditions, loading protocols, instrumentation and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of analytical and numerical modelling methods for evaluating structural systems and validating models using experimental results.
• Knowledge of National Building Code of Canada structural requirements and relevant structural design and testing standards.
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Creative thinking (Level 3)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Research - Networking (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2-3 level, which is a mid-career level position with a salary range of $82,338 to $136,871.

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 level. As 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.

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.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience.
• 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 (25666) to:

Closing Date: 30 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.