Research Officer

The Role

NRC’s Medical Devices research Center is excited to advertise a tenure-track Research Officer (RO) position specializing in microfluidics systems and devices for data analytics to support both fundamental discovery and development of medical microdevice technology in areas such as in vitro diagnostics, precision medicine, space research, and food/water safety. The primary responsibility of the RO is to develop original research and development (R&D) activities in support of NRC scientific and technological objectives through research of the highest international calibre.

The successful candidates will join the NRC Bioanalytical Micro-Nano Devices (BioAMND) Directorate of the Medical Devices Research Center at the NRC Boucherville site. BioAMND directorate spans various locations (Boucherville, Montreal, Toronto, and Winnipeg) and includes 44 researchers and technical officers with a unique combination of expertise spanning from physics, nano and microfabrication engineering, chemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology. Selected candidate will work in a team environment and join NRC internationally recognized research activities to contribute to ambitious cutting-edge research in the field of microfluidics, publish in internationally recognized academic journals, and support translation and commercialization efforts. 

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 Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Engineering Physics, Material Science, Electrical engineering, Experimental medicine, Analytical Chemistry or related discipline is required. 

Doctoral candidates who will complete all requirements for their Ph.D. within 3 months of Closing Date may also be considered.
 

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

Experience

Excellence in research will be determined by the quality of articles submitted in the application; output and impact of research at high international levels; publications in top-ranked, internationally recognized, and field-relevant academic journals; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements by peers of high international stature.

The RO will also possess several of the following:

• Significant experience in the design and use of microfluidic devices in areas such as in vitro diagnostics, precision medicine, point of care testing, cell biology, food/water safety, sample preparation, or space applications. 
• Relevant research experience in the integration, automation and deployment of complex bioanalytical protocols through microfluidic technologies such as centrifugal, digital, capillary, pressure, or microvalve-based microfluidics.
• Experience in deep-learning and artificial intelligence in the field of microfluidics to support applications such as high-throughput datasets generation and analysis, prediction of microfluidic architecture performance, or guided device design.

Condition of Employment

 Reliability Status

Language Requirements

English

Note: Boucherville NRC is a French location.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

1. Expert knowledge of microfluidic device design and fabrication methods compatible with automated device manufacturing, particularly in polymer materials.
2. Advanced knowledge in the microfluidic integration of biological and biomolecular processes such as molecular diagnostics, cell biology, library preparation for sequencing, DNA/protein isolation assays, biofabrication, or single cell molecular analysis. 
3. Knowledge of microfluidic-based data acquisition systems for high-throughput dataset generation and analysis based on deep-learning and artificial intelligence.
4. Ability to conceive deep-learning and artificial intelligence applications to predict device architecture performance or guide device design will be considered an asset. 
5. Practical knowledge of microfabrication processes applied to microfluidics. 
6. Practical knowledge of the design and fabrication of polymer microfluidic devices using technologies such as CNC machining, hot embossing, injection molding, thermoforming or equivalent.
7. The following will be considered assets in assessing the candidate:

• Demonstrated track record of the publication of several high impact research papers in high caliber international scientific journals;
• Evidence of the generation of valuable intellectual properties;
• Evidence of leadership for projects, grants or awards;
• Experience in collaborations, including with industry and academia;
• Experience with advanced computing platforms, systems or techniques;
• Experience in mentoring or supervision;
• Experience with research management, i.e., managing risks, teams, schedules.

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. The RO group uses a person-based classification system instead of the more common duties-based classification system. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $63,470 to $179,422 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

Candidate with a PhD diploma  will be assigned at the minimum level of AsRO with a salary of $82,330 or higher. Higher steps in the salary range may be assigned to those university graduates whose qualifications demonstrate a state of professional development warranting a rate of pay greater than the minimum level defined above.

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.

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Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). 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.

Application Requirements

You will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Some items may be assessed at a later time in the process. 

• Cover letter including a research statement. Please highlight in your statement what you consider to be your most impactful contribution to your field. Max 2 pages.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A list of publications
• Three sample articles authored or co-authored by the candidate
• Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to provide a reference on your behalf. Reference letters need not be submitted with the application, but may be requested during the review process.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• •    The successful candidate must be willing to travel occasionally across Canada and internationally to represent NRC. 
• 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.