The role

NRC Construction is implementing the “Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale” (NRC Platform) to accelerate and scale up new technologies to help transition the Canadian construction sector towards decarbonization and contribute to the emerging low-carbon economy. It will also establish new codes, standards, specifications, and guidelines to position the sector to achieve its 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon reduction targets. These investments will help spur the growth of Canada’s clean technology sector and help achieve Canada’s international commitments to reduce GHG emissions.

Federal Budget 2022 proposed that the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) receive $183.2 million over seven years (2022-29) to transition the Canadian construction sector towards decarbonization and enhanced productivity. The funding will support the implementation of a NRC Platform consisting of three integrated and synergistic Programs to advance the transformation of Canada’s construction sector and contribute to the emerging low-carbon economy.

The Digitalization and Productivity Challenge Program (approximately $70M over seven years) will drive transformation to digitalized and automated construction and accelerate the adoption of novel off-site construction methodologies. The program will support lower construction time and cost, while improving sector innovation potential, productivity and the pace at which low-carbon solutions can be deployed in new and retrofit construction projects. The program will be specifically designed to harness and focus Canada’s research and innovation capacity in industry, academia and research-based OGDs to fill key knowledge gaps (e.g. guidelines, standard methods of data exchange, standards development, integration of off-site manufacturing design and practices for deconstruction, productivity quantification, among others) to realize the potential benefits of off-site construction and automation. It will seek to implement processes to optimize the designs and compliance of buildings and infrastructure, leverage benefits of advanced manufacturing processes (including off-site panelized and modular construction), and advance development of low-carbon retrofit solutions that lever performance-based design.

The role (cont'd)

Research and development motivated by this program will provide the technical solutions needed for early adopters in the private sector to uniformly implement integrated digital construction practices throughout the asset lifecycle and across the sector. Demonstration projects with early adopters will showcase the value of digitalized construction solutions, which will help increase sector productivity, reduce time and cost, when coupled with a shift from prescriptive to performance-based solutions.

The primary responsibility of the RO is to support the goals of NRC’s Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale. These goals require research of international calibre and the development and application of advanced technologies to support the needs of our numerous industry partners. The RO works in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities also include the development of proposals for new research initiatives, effective project management, support to the enhancement of facilities, and communication of research plans and results to stakeholders.

We are looking for a Research Officer (RO), Robotics, Automation, and Modern Construction Technologies to support the Construction Research Centre. The RO will support the NRC Platform and would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

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

A PhD in Civil, Construction, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering, with specialization in robotics applications in construction manufacturing and assembly.

A PhD in a related field combined with significant experience in automation, robotics, or AI-driven construction may also be considered.

Education related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics programming, computer vision, Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), or life cycle environmental/cost assessment is considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Extensive experience in robotics programming for factory, onsite, and autonomous construction workflows.
• Significant experience in developing or applying AI-based scheduling, forecasting, and QA/QC systems using computer vision and scanning technologies.
• Experience in comparing and evaluating the performance of automated or robotic modular construction against conventional methods.
• Experience in DfMA principles and their integration with robotics and automation.
• Experience in human–robot interaction (HRI) research, simulation, or implementation in construction or manufacturing contexts.
• Significant experience in leading or contributing to multidisciplinary research projects, proposal development, and stakeholder engagement.

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 apply construction automation technology and robotics systems.
• Ability to design and program robotic and automated systems for modular, on-site, and hybrid construction.
• Knowledge of DfMA and its integration with robotic systems.
• Knowledge of human–robot collaboration frameworks and industrial safety standards.
• Knowledge of modular, panelized, mass timber, and precast systems, including their automation potential.
• Knowledge of applying AI-driven analysis for scheduling, forecasting, and quality control may be considered an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NOTE: Please note that 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 their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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.

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.

Notes

• 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.