Team lead, Natural Products Chemistry

Prime Minister of Canada; Halifax; On-site; CAD 119,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian governmental organization in Halifax is seeking a Team Lead specializing in Natural Products and Analytical Chemistry. The role involves leading innovative research projects, overseeing scientific teams and fostering partnerships to accelerate the commercialization of bio-based products. The ideal candidate must have a PhD, significant experience in analytical chemistry, and a proven record in team leadership and collaboration. This position comes with competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Robust pension plan

Life insurance and disability

Well-being supports

Qualifications

• PhD required with a focus on natural products and analytical chemistry.
• Experience in leading scientific teams and managing research projects required.
• Significant expertise in modern analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific research in developing innovative solutions for natural products.
• Oversee staff and manage multi-disciplinary projects.
• Foster partnerships with academic institutions and industry stakeholders.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical chemistry

Mass spectrometry

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Interpersonal communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Job description

Overview

Priority may be given to designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

Location: Halifax

OrganizationalUnit: Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

Classification: RO

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: English

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.

Notes: This position notes that preference will be given to certain equity groups as described above and references the Employment Equity Act under review. The role may include a pre-qualified list for similar positions and relocation considerations per NRC directives.

The Role

We are seeking a Team Lead specializing in Natural Products and Analytical Chemistry to support our Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre, providing strategic research direction and visionary leadership to the team. The role leads scientific research focused on developing innovative solutions and providing Research & Development support to industry partners with the goal of accelerating the commercialization of bio-based products. The successful candidate will exemplify our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Within our collaborative environment we are looking for a leader with deep expertise in designing advanced analytical methods for characterizing natural products and complex mixtures. Leveraging state-of-the-art instrumentation you will work closely with researchers and technical specialists to drive impactful research and practical applications. Responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing multi-disciplinary projects, and fostering partnerships with academic institutions and industry to enhance the chemical characterization of bio-based products.

Eligibility & Screening

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 Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field with a focus on natural products and analytical chemistry. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency.

Experience

• Significant experience in leading scientific teams and managing research projects.
• Significant experience with demonstrated success in developing partnership or business opportunities with industry, academia and government; supported by highly-effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Significant expertise in modern analytical techniques including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Established record of peer-reviewed publications and/or impactful contributions in the field of natural products, supported by a proven track record of successful interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Significant experience means two (2) to five (5) years of experience.

Conditions & Compliance

• Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.
• Language Requirements: English
• Assessment Criteria: Technical Competencies and Behavioural Competencies as described below.

Competencies & Assessments

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines contributing to research priorities and activities, fostering productive scientific collaborations.
• Ability to design, implement and optimize analytical methods for natural product characterization with strong technical expertise in mass spectrometry, NMR, and data interpretation. Experience with predictive analytics is an asset.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and refining analytical workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency and reproducibility.
• Adept at communicating complex scientific findings clearly, including preparing reports and presenting results at conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Ability to maintain broad awareness of current scientific, technical and industry trends affecting the field with strong interpersonal skills to engage constructively with colleagues, clients and partners.

Behavioural Competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 3)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 3)
• Research - Partnering (Level 3)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 3)

Compensation & Perks

Compensation: The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AcRO level with a salary range of $119,688 to $139,608. Note: 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 prior experience; the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO scale.

Benefits: NRC employees enjoy a wide range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, and additional well-being supports.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers, and Forbes Canadas Best Employers.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with NRC 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.
• Closing Date: 05 September 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time (note: this date has passed).

How to Apply & Contact

Please direct questions with the requisition number (24177) to: E-mail: [not provided], Telephone: [not provided].