Research Associate, In-situ / operando methods

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.

The role

We are looking for a Research Associate (RA) to join our Quantum and Nanotechnology research centre. The Research Associate will be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The RA will support our expanding capabilities with in-situ and in-operando characterization of materials and devices, including lithium-based batteries.  We aim to improve energy storage systems via robust measurements of battery and cell components in realistic environmental conditions.  Our in-situ measurements of the effects of pressure, temperature, and time on component morphology and performance help guide the implementation of next-generation energy storage technologies (e.g. anode-free or solid state cell designs).  Our approach is based on combining our custom hardware, our custom software, commercial measurement platforms (e.g. X-ray diffractometers, potentiostats, mechanical measurement systems, cameras, spectrometers), and our physical insight to understand materials and devices in dynamic conditions.  We aim to extend the same approach to electron microscopy.

The successful candidate will have a background in applied physics or a closely related field, and significant experience working with large data sets, ideally via in-situ or operando characterisation.  The successful candidate will work within the Developmental and Analytical Microscopy team to create and use new experimental methods to advance measurement techniques and support collaborations.

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 Physics, Engineering, or Chemistry.

As part of the RA Program you must have received your Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or Chemistry within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

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

Experience

• Significant* experience in physically meaningful curve fitting.
• Significant* experience with scripting or programming.
• Significant* experience in writing peer reviewed publications.
• Experience setting up custom experiments for data collection and analysis.
• Experience building, repairing or troubleshooting instrumentation.
• Experience developing and managing effective working relationships such as internal and external stakeholders, academic partners and/or industrial partners.

The following experience criteria would be considered assets:

• Experience in electron microscopy.
• Experience in electrochemistry, especially electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and lithium-based batteries.
• Experience in mechanical characterization.
• Experience in image collection and analysis.
• Experience in crystallography or metallurgy.

* 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

• Knowledge of fundamental solid-state / materials physics, chemistry, or engineering.
• Ability to create and use new experimental techniques, and know the limitations thereof.
• Knowledge of computer programming skills for data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Knowledge of measurement uncertainty.
• Knowledge of various material characterization techniques (e.g. microscopy, electrochemistry, mechanics, crystallography, spectroscopy)
• Ability to translate hypothesis in to efficient experimental designs.

Behavioural competencies

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 through the Research Associate (RA) Program at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641.

NOTE: 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 a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985.

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

Application Requirements:

To be considered for the Research Associate program please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application.  Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded.

• Resume
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation

When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as «Second language evaluation results» or «Other attachments».

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region’s Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• 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.