Research Officer, Developmental and Analytical Microscopy

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: Edmonton 

Organizational Unit: Quantum and Nanotechnologies 

Classification: RO 

Tenure: Continuing 

Language Requirements: English 

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

At 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 hiring team using the contact information below.

The Role

We are looking for a Research Officer to support our Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.  

The successful candidate will engage with both internal and external collaborators, other government departments and industry for microscopy application. They will be part of a team that does both developmental and analytical microscopy. Developmental microscopy involves building and developing new tools and techniques to push the boundaries and capabilities of microscopy. Analytical microscopy involves the use of existing tools to achieve results for the various clients and can also involve innovative work to adapt to clients needs by developing new 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

Ph.D. in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a relevant field. 

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

Experience

• Significant* experience in electron microscopy using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Experience developing new or existing electron microscopy instrumentation or methods.
• Significant* experience writing peer reviewed publications.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Significant* experience setting up custom experiments for data collection and analysis.
• Experience developing and managing effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, academic partners and/or industrial partners.

The following experience criteria would be considered assets:

• Experience providing quality control or process optimization for electron microscopy in an industrial environment.
• Experience bringing electron microscopy to industrial application.
• Experience leading projects.
• Experience writing project proposals.
• Experience in tomography analysis for 3-D imaging.

* Significant experience is defined as two (2) to five (5) years of experience.

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

1. Extensive knowledge of principles underlying electron microscopy.
2. Extensive knowledge in the use of transmission electron microscopes and/or scanning electron microscopes
3. Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning and their applications in electron microscopy
4. Knowledge of computer programming languages for data analysis such as Python, C++ and Matlab.
5. Knowledge with various microscopy instrumentation such as dual beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM)

Behavioural Competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)
• Research - Networking (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

 

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the ASRO level with a salary range of $82,338 to $114,354. 

 

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 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.

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.

 

 

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (23418) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 450-645-4208

Closing Date: 15 October 2025 - 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 Careers module from your NRC computer.