Scientist

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) | Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS); Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CSIS in Ottawa seeks a Scientist to direct the design, development, planning, testing and implementation of all aspects related to scientific collection and analysis of operational requirements. You will lead assessments, liaise with clients and colleagues, and help shape future capabilities for intelligence gathering.

The role requires an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and 5+ years (Stream 1) or 3+ years (Stream 2) of relevant experience, including mass spectrometry and data analysis, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from an accredited institution; equivalency may be required for non-Canadian degrees.
• Stream 1: 5+ years in analytical and synthetic chemistry with reports, project planning, and data analysis.
• Stream 2: 3+ years with hands‑on operation of mass spectrometers, chromatographs and spectrophotometers.
• Ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Security clearance: eligible for Enhanced Top Secret.

Responsibilities

• Act as a scientific resource on topics and prepare comprehensive assessment documents.
• Provide leadership on projects, budgets, and policy/procedural issues.
• Research, evaluate and test new technologies to support capabilities.
• Liaise with national and international agencies and develop contacts.
• Prepare detailed documents on branch projects and reports.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Problem solving

Non-technical communication

Education

Bachelors in Chemistry

Tools

Mass spectrometers

Chromatographs

Spectrophotometers

Job description

Job Summary

• Act as a scientific resource on a wide variety of topics.
• Prepare comprehensive scientific assessment documents for an array of clients (including technical and non-technical audiences).
• Provide leadership and advice on major assigned projects/plans/activities, budgetary and policy/procedural issues, including the acquisition, planning, development, implementation, documentation and evaluation needed for their completion.
• Research, evaluate and test new technologies, tools and procedures in order to support the development, evaluation, and planning of operational capabilities and recommend future developments to maintain and improve intelligence gathering capabilities.
• Administer and resolve complex problems/issues/contracts by researching, analysing and providing advice, or liaising with other resources, as required.
• Provide direct input for scientific and operational plans, in close consultation and cooperation with clients and colleagues.
• Prepare detailed documents on issues pertaining to branch projects by gathering information and data, conducting analysis and preparing reports and assessments of technology gaps and opportunities.
• Provide training and support to clients and colleagues to maintain and improve scientific capabilities for the Service.
• Assess information and provide operational support to meet managerial and operational requirements for plans, policies and budgetary needs in accordance with Service requirements.
• Liaise with government agencies both national and international, representing the Service in the exchange of information, techniques and/or analysis and develop and maintain contacts in various scientific related areas.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.

The Scientist is responsible to direct the design/development/planning/testing and implement all aspects and practices related to the scientific collection and analysis of operational requirements.

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Chemistry

The degree must be obtained from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.

Note: Any higher level of education (i.e.: Masters, Doctorate) in a related field of study could be recognised as experience.

Experience

Stream 1:

• Strong background in Analytical Chemistry and Synthetic Chemistry
• Five (5) years of recent * and significant* experience in the following:
• Producing professional and technical reports and presentations
• Planning and conducting scientific projects
• Gathering information and data on scientific technologies and preparing relevant reports and assessments
• Researching and explaining new scientific concepts

Assets:

• Experience in forensic and organic chemistry
• Experience in explaining complex scientific concepts to a non-technical audience
• Experience in preparing high-level briefings and executive summaries
• Experience in performing scientific methodologies in the analysis and examination of various materials
• Experience in the identification of priority areas on which to focus scientific development

Stream 2:

• Strong background in analytical chemistry, and demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Three (3) years of recent* and significant* experience in the following:
• Extensive hands‑on operation and / or maintenance of mass spectrometers, chromatographs, and spectrophotometers
• Performing scientific methodologies in the analysis and examination of various materials
• Preparing technical reports and presentations

Assets:

• Experience in sample preparation
• Experience in data analysis
• Experience in preparing high-level briefings
• Recent is defined as experience acquired within the last five (5) years.
• Significant is defined as the depth and breadth of experience that would normally be acquired by a person in a position where the performance of these duties constitutes their main functions over that period.

Competencies

• Analytical skills
• Ability to Learn
• Adaptability / Flexibility
• Organizational - Multitasking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Rigour
• Initiative

Conditions of Employment

• Travelling might be required
• Employees must possess and maintain a valid and permanent Canadian driver’s license for the duration of their employment in that position
• Working overtime might be required
• Some lifting / carrying heavy equipment or boxes might be required (approximately 25kg)
• While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, most roles in our organisation require an in‑office presence

Official Language (OL) Proficiency

• English Essential

Notes

If you need accommodations during the recruitment process, please mention it to the HR representative.

Clearly demonstrate in your resume and cover letter how you meet the Education, the Experience and the language criteria and indicate which stream(s) you would like to be considered for.

A written exam will be administered as an assessment tool to evaluate candidates’ relevant technical knowledge and/or relevant abilities. Successful candidates will be invited to a competency‑based interview

Employment Equity Gaps have been identified among Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, and Women for this position. You are invited to voluntary self‑declare if you belong to any of these groups in your cover letter as it may be considered in the selection process.

Security Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offence. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.

Important

We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly, as we will be reviewing and screening applications on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. Federal Workforce Adjusted employees are encouraged to apply for available positions and clearly indicate in their WFA status on their cover letter.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.

CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.