Technical advisor, Applications Development and Database Administration

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 103,911 - 130,061; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) seeks a Technical Advisor to support the CIO Branch. You will design, develop, test and maintain ChemIn-InChim, a Symfony-based web app used as NRC’s chemical inventory tool. You will write code, manage databases and produce technical docs, working with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues.

The role emphasizes Symfony, PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, and UNIX/Linux expertise in a collaborative environment and offers a limited hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• University degree or 3-year college diploma in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, System Engineering, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Experience with LAMP stack in a high-paced collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, implement and maintain the Symfony-based Web application (ChemIn-InChim).
• Write and modify application code following industry standards; perform database administration tasks.
• Collaborate with HSE and NRC teams; produce technical documentation and specifications.

Skills

Symfony framework

Object Oriented PHP

UNIX/Linux command line

GitLab

Education

University degree in Computer Science or Engineering

3-year college diploma considered

Tools

Doctrine

MariaDB/MySQL

HTML/CSS/JavaScript

Composer/WebPack

PHP

Job description

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: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Chief Information Officer Branch

Classification: CS-3

Tenure: Term

Duration: 1 year

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

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.

Assignments will be considered according to NRC's policies .

Discover the possible

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

As Canada’s largest research and innovation 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.

The role

We are looking for a Technical Advisor, Application Development / Database and Data Administrator to support our Chief Information Officer Branch (CIOB). The Technical Advisor, Application Development / Database and Data Administrator would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Under the direction of the Manager, Web Applications Development, the Technical Advisor is responsible for the design, development, testing, implementation and maintenance of ChemIn-InChim, a custom-built Symfony-based Web application that is used as the NRC-wide online Chemical Inventory tool.

The Technical Advisor writes new and modifies existing application code while following industry standards and best practices, performs database administration tasks, participates in project activities and discussions, advises on approaches for new functionalities, creates technical specifications and produces technical documentation.

The Technical Advisor works closely with the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Branch as well as technical specialists, colleagues, senior advisors and staff from the NRC Research Centres, Branches and IRAP to clarify requirements for services and to resolve technical issues.

Screening criteria

Education

University degree or 3-year college diploma in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, System Engineering, or other related field.

An equivalent combination of relevant training and experience may also be considered.

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

Experience

• Recent* and significant** experience working in a high-pace collaborative development environment based on the LAMP stack technologies;
• Recent* and significant** experience developing and maintaining large dynamic Web applications using Symfony framework and Doctrine. Experience with other comparable PHP frameworks may also be considered;
• Recent* and significant** experience developing with Object Oriented PHP;
• Significant** experience designing and maintaining MariaDB or MySQL databases;
• Significant** experience developing with technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Node.js, Vue.js and SQL/DQL;
• Significant** experience using GitLab for code versioning and issue tracking;
• Experience using command line tools in the UNIX/Linux and Windows environments.
• Significant is defined as at least 2 to 6 years of experience.
• Recent is defined as within the last five years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of the Symfony framework including dependency management with Composer and WebPack, Flex structure, custom guards, complex Doctrine elements, components, libraries and bundles;
• Advanced knowledge of the Object Oriented PHP programming language;
• Solid Knowledge of MariaDB or MySQL relational databases and the SQL/DQL query language;
• Solid knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and Node.js;
• Solid knowledge of Git (GitLab) for version control and issue tracking;
• Knowledge of the UNIX/Linux Operating System and command line tools;
• Ability to create new and modify existing application code based on business requirements;
• Ability to code to industry standards and write technical documentation in English in a fluent and consistent manner.

Assets

• Understanding SAML authentication and MS Graph API.
• Familiarity with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Client focus (Level 2)
• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Support.

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $103,911 to $130,061 per annum.

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

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• 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 (25636) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: 7 August 2026 - 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 Careersmodule from your NRC computer.