Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular Tools for Harmful Algae and Toxin Detection

The program

The NRC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program offers PDFs access to unique world-class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside multi-disciplinary teams of expert researchers and technicians on projects of critical importance to Canada. PDFs will carry out research on innovative research projects, with opportunities for career development (publications and/or industry interaction).

PDFs will be offered appointments to the staff of the National Research Council on a term basis and will be offered salaries and benefits currently available to Research Officers. Salaries commensurate with experience are taxable and subject to other deductions. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.

Project title

Innovating Algal Biotoxin Surveillance Through Digital Immuno-Polymerase Chain Reaction 

The role

The postdoctoral fellow (PDF) will develop innovative molecular and analytical methods to improve the detection of harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms that pose growing risks to food and water security. The PDF will first establish droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays targeting toxin biosynthesis genes from harmful algal and cyanobacterial species. The methods will enable accurate detection and quantitation of toxin-producing organisms in samples, supporting improved surveillance and risk assessment. Building on this, the PDF will then develop innovative immuno-ddPCR approaches that combine antibody-based toxin recognition with the amplification and quantitative capabilities of ddPCR for direct toxin measurement at trace concentrations in complex marine and freshwater environments. The PDF will lead work on method optimization and validation cultures and environmental sample sets, while exploring the potential for multiplexed detection. The PDF’s research will advance HAB and toxin monitoring capabilities, improve understanding of occurrence and distribution, and strengthen capacity to protect public health, water resources, and food systems.

Education

PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

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

Experience

• Significant experience with techniques including DNA/RNA extraction 
• Significant experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including quantitative procedures (qPCR, ddPCR) and primer design
• Significant experience in the full spectrum of research activities including experimental design, identification of laboratory equipment requirements, experiment execution, data collection and analysis, and reporting through presentations and publications.
• Experience with harmful algae and cyanobacteria, including species identification, enumeration and culturing techniques
• Experience with immunoassay development and application
• Experience with data handling, coding and bioinformatic techniques

Language requirements

English 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required

Who is eligible?

• Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
• Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2024*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
• Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.

* Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.

Application requirements

To be considered for the program please include the following in your application, 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
• Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
• PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient, it does not have to be an official version.
• List of Publications

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

In addition, applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation at a later stage of the competition process.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff the position at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and impact, and growth within the role.

Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate's prior experience. This evaluation will consider specific achievements, skills, and contributions that demonstrate the candidate's impact and expertise. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985. 

The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also 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 2026 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

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Fellowships are open to nationals of all countries, although 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.