Research Scientist

Saskatchewan Research Council; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) REE Commercial team is seeking a Research Scientist to provide advanced applied scientific expertise in REE processing, supporting laboratory, pilot-scale, and commercial activities. This role drives scale-up and commercialization for SRC’s Rare Earth Processing Facility and client projects.

You will develop and execute projects in mineral extraction, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, and metallization, plan work and costs, and mentor junior staff while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science-related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant industry or applied experience.
• Experience applying scientific/engineering principles in applied research or pilot-scale environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute applied research and projects in mineral extraction, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, and metallization.
• Plan work, schedules, and cost estimates for projects and process improvements.
• Coordinate laboratory and pilot-scale testing, ensuring safety and approved procedures.
• Interpret data, perform analyses, and provide defensible technical conclusions.
• Provide input to client-facing activities and business development; communicate clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Communication

Multidisciplinary problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Master's degree asset

Job description

With more than 400 employees, $83 million in annual revenue and nearly 80 years of RD&D experience, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization with 1,400 clients in 16 countries around the world. We help clients from across the world solve technology problems, make improvements, seize opportunities, maintain competitiveness, increase productivity, and develop new markets.

Our employees make a difference. We hire people who are passionate about their work because we are passionate about making a positive impact in our province and beyond. We recognize the important value of work-life balance and our employees enjoy generous time off. SRC also offers many other benefits such as flexible retirement and savings options, insured benefits, professional development opportunities, a robust safety program, and an outstanding team environment.

Overview

The Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) REE Commercial team is seeking a Research Scientist to provide advanced applied scientific expertise in research, development, and application of metallurgical processes related to rare earth elements (REE) and other critical minerals, supporting laboratory, pilot-scale, and commercial activities. The role includes support of full-cycle REE processing development from applied research through scale-up and commercialization delivering results for the SRC Rare Earth Processing Facility advancement and client-focused projects.

Accountabilities

• Develop and execute applied research, development, and technical projects related to mineral extraction, hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction and separation, precipitation, and metallization, addressing complex and evolving technical problems
• Develop technical work plans, schedules, and cost estimates for projects and process improvements
• Plan and support laboratory and pilot-scale testing, ensuring work is conducted safely and in accordance with approved procedures
• Interpret complex data sets, perform detailed analyses, and develop defensible technical conclusions and recommendations that may influence operational and project-level decisions
• Provide technical input to client-facing activities, business development efforts, and service promotion, communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives through data analysis, identification of improvement opportunities, and implementation of modifications to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and safety standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science-related field; completion of a master’s degree is considered an asset
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant industry, research, or applied technical experience, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Demonstrated experience applying scientific or engineering principles in an applied research, laboratory, pilot-scale, or operational environment

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage projects or processes independently with limited oversight
• Prove ability to address complex, multidisciplinary technical problems using sound judgment and analytical reasoning
• Competent to provide technical guidance and informal mentoring to junior scientists or engineers
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical and scientific reporting
• Strong collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams

The chosen candidate will also be required to provide an original Criminal Record Check that is satisfactory to SRC prior to the commencement of any employment duties. The Criminal Record Check must have been executed within the preceding 30 days of receipt.

This position is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Deadline to apply is October 9, 2026

As SRC strives to build a representative workforce, applications are encouraged from persons of Indigenous ancestry.