Technical Officer, Biology

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Boucherville; On-site; CAD 66,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) seeks a Technical Officer 3 specializing in biology to join the Medical Devices Research Centre. The candidate will support biology, molecular biology and biochemistry work, troubleshoot experiments, and work with the Bioanalytical Micro‑Nano Devices (BioAMND) Section across two locations.

The role requires independence, adaptability and collaboration with partners. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in biochemistry/biology or related field, 3–5 years in

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of molecular biology/microbiology lab experience
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, purification and quantification
• Hands-on PCR, RT‑PCR and qPCR experience
• NGS library preparation with Oxford Nanopore platforms preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to biology-related research.
• Work independently and as part of the R&D team.
• Maintain lab equipment, space, logbooks and inventories; ensure safety.
• Collaborate with industrial partners, universities or other labs.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR/qPCR

NGS workflows

Metagenomics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Cell & Molecular Biology

College Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Tools

Oxford Nanopore MinION/GridION

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: Boucherville

Organizational Unit: Medical Devices

Classification: TO-3

Tenure: Term

Duration: 2 years

Language Requirements: English or French

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

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 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.

Defence Industrial Strategy

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, accelerating research and innovation, and helping Canadian businesses develop leading‑edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation, quantum science, medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing, the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRC’s contributions to defence priorities.

The role

We are looking for Technical Officer 3 (TO-3) specializing in biology to join our Medical Devices Research Centre. The Research officer will be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Technical Officer – Biology will provide technical support to research work for developing and performing different techniques in biology, molecular biology and biochemistry with environmental, food or clinical samples. The individuals selected will also have to recognize and resolve problems associated with the experimental or analytical techniques and the approaches used. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently as well as part of the broader R&D team as well as function in an environment requiring a high‑level of adaptability and multitasking.

The successful candidate will join the NRC Bioanalytical Micro‑Nano Devices (BioAMND) Section, which spans two locations (Toronto, Boucherville) and includes more than 40 35 researchers and technical officers specializing in physics, nano and microfabrication engineering, chemistry, and molecular and cellular biology.

The selected TO candidate will be part of the Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT), will strengthen NRC and CRAFT’s internationally recognized research activities and help transform discoveries into value‑added research platforms and clinically adopted devices.

As part of a multi‑disciplinary team, the incumbent will be responsible for observing and recording preliminary results and will have to discuss progress in experiments and interpretation of results with the researchers and/or other technical officers and make recommendations for improvements as needed.

The work will be performed as part the NRC’s approved research programs in cooperation with industrial partners, universities or other government laboratories.

The position includes maintaining laboratory equipment, space, logbooks and inventories, as well as responsibilities involving health and safety.

Screening criteria

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or other disciplines relevant to the position.

A College Diploma in Laboratory Technology with a combination of significant experience could be considered.

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

Experience

Extensive recent experience (3-5 years) in molecular biology/microbiology laboratory:

• Strong experience with DNA and RNA extraction, purification, and quantification.
• Hands‑on experience with PCR, RT‑PCR, and qPCR.
• Experience with NGS library preparation, preferably Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
• Hands‑on experience operating Oxford Nanopore platforms such as MinION or GridION.
• Experience working with microbial samples, including bacteria and preferably viruses.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting laboratory protocols and methods.
• Experience with metagenomic or untargeted sequencing for microbial/pathogen detection is highly desirable.
• Experience with low‑input samples, microbial enrichment, and/or host nucleic‑acid depletion is an asset.
• Strong experience with experimental controls, contamination prevention, QC, and documentation.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

Language requirements

English or French

Information on language requirements and self‑assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• Solid knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, purification, quantification, PCR, RT‑PCR and qPCR;
• Solid knowledge of NGS workflows, including nucleic acid quality control, library preparation, barcoding and sequencing;
• Working knowledge of Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies and platforms, including MinION;
• Working knowledge of microbiology techniques and handling of microbial samples, including bacteria and viruses;
• Working knowledge of metagenomic and untargeted sequencing approaches for microbial/pathogen detection;
• Ability to optimize and troubleshoot molecular biology, sample preparation and sequencing protocols;
• Ability to perform experimental design, quality control, data collection, basic analysis, interpretation and documentation;
• Knowledge of contamination prevention, experimental controls and good laboratory practices for molecular and microbial workflows.

Assets

• Knowledge of microbial enrichment, host nucleic‑acid depletion and processing of low‑input or complex biological samples;
• Ability to work in and support the operation of a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL‑2) laboratory and contribute to the development of biosafety protocols.

Behavioural competencies

• Research Technician/Technologist - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Communication (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research Technician/Technologist - Client focus (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research Technician/Technologist

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $66,126 to $91,012 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 2026, 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.
• The candidates are required to answer a screening question as part of the application process.
• 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 (25955) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: Posted until filled

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.