Discover the possible

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

As Canada’s leading research and technology 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

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada’s largest research and technology organization.

We are looking for a hands-on Technical Officer to support our powder synthesis and modifications activities at the Clean Energy Innovation (CEI) Research Centre’s new research facility in Mississauga. You will support the goals of the NRC and CEI Research Centre through research and the development and application of advanced technologies. You will be working in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities, while sharing our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

You will participate in a wide range of activities relating to the accelerated development and characterization of advanced powder materials for battery and other clean energy applications.

Duties will include:

• Independently or under guidance of technical officers or research officers, conducting technical and operational tasks related to the feedstock preparation, synthesis, pre- and post-treatment, and classification of metal, ceramic and composite micron- and nano-sized powders. Key focus areas will be on critical mineral powders for batteries, including active material for battery electrodes (anode, cathode) and electrolytes;
• Leading the operation of powder synthesis equipment, including the safe startup, operation, testing, shut-down, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of the equipment; while ensuring safe handling of powder materials;
• Ensuring operational continuity of the equipment by developing standard operating procedures, executing required regular inspections and maintenance, troubleshooting, training other users, overseeing scheduling and utilization, and maintaining inventory of consumables;
• Supporting the efficient operations of a multi-user lab by managing general consumables, overseeing chemical inventory, maintaining lab cleanliness, and ensuring proper hazardous waste disposal in compliance with regulations. Actively participating in the organizational health and safety programs by adhering to all NRC occupational health and safety policies and regulations;
• Leading or contributing to the design, installation, relocation/recommissioning, modification, set-up, risk assessment and launch of new experimental set-ups or equipment; Recommending purchases and actively participating in the procurement and installation of new lab equipment, materials and supplies;
• Developing experimental procedures and laboratory test protocols, identifying and resolving equipment-related issues, recording and reporting raw experimental data and analysis results, collaborating with project managers on project scheduling and planning, laboratory resource allocation and time management, and the development of experimental and analytical techniques.

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

College diploma or Bachelor of Science or Engineering in materials science, metallurgy, chemistry, mechanical or in a relevant field.

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

Experience

• Hands-on experience in a semi-industrial laboratory environment.
• Experience operating equipment and laboratory experiments in accordance with safety protocols and guidelines. Experience in hazard identification, risk assessment, and hazard prevention as it relates to general laboratory activities, including but not limited to chemical and powder materials handling, hazardous waste disposal, and exposure to thermal and mechanical hazards.
• Experience with the installation, safe operation, dismantling/assembly, calibration, maintenance, modification and repair of specialized equipment, instruments and laboratory apparatuses.
• Experience in designing, conducting and analyzing the results of experiments or projects in a research and development environment.
• Experience in the synthesis of powder materials including metal, ceramic and/or composite powders is an asset.
• Experience in plasma synthesis, densification, purification or surface modification of powders would be considered as an asset.

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

• Ability to take ownership, including operation, set-up, assembly/disassembly, modification, calibration, maintenance and repairof pilot-scale and laboratory-scale equipment or experimental set-ups.
• Ability to quickly learn and to train other users in the use of specialized equipment and techniques.
• Ability to handle hazardous and non-hazardous materials in the laboratory environment in accordance with safety provisions and workplace regulations. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of powder materials handling, synthesis, treatment, sampling, and characterization
• Ability to coordinate operations of multi-user laboratories, including maintaining safe work environment, inventory management, and hazardous waste handling in compliance with workplace health and safety legislation and regulations;

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): 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 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• 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.