Research Associate, Metrology for Quantum Photonics

Your Challenge

Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.  

We are looking for a Research Associate, Metrology for Quantum Photonics in the Thermometry and Radiometry Team to support our Metrology Research Centre. The Research Associate (RA) would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.  

The Research Associate provides leadership, and technical (optics, electronic, mechanical, organizational, logistical and other) support, and systems oversight in the day-to-day operations of the Thermometry and Radiometry Team.  

The selected candidate will work on the development of quantum-network testbed at the Metrology Research Centre and will conduct related research in the Quantum Radiometry laboratory. The selected candidate will gain hands-on experience in the quantum optics experiments under the mentorship of a researcher from Metrology Research Centre, along with the support of researchers in the team.  

Working with other members of the team, the Research Associate will: 

• Work in the laboratories with other research and technical team members to support research activities related to photonic quantum metrology;
• Guide, coordinate or contribute to the development of new experimental procedures or standards;
• Participate in the maintenance of optical and cryogenic laboratory facilities;
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in subject area(s) that support the research program(s);
• Acquire and analyze measurement data; and 
• Report results and keep records in the database.

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

As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD in Physics or Engineering focused in quantum optics or photonics research as demonstrated by thesis work and/or publications 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

• Hands-on experience in a scientific lab setting;
• Experience working with optical systems and interferometry; 
• Experience with photonic devices including single-photon sources and single-photon detectors;
• Experience with engineering entangled photon-pair sources;
• Experience in cryogenics (low-temperature physics);
• Experience collecting and analyzing data; and 
• Experience with writing research articles. 

Experience in the following are assets: 

• Experience with quantum memories and/or atomic physics;
• Experience with radio-frequency (RF) signal processing electronics;
• Experience in software development with LabView and Python.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

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

• Solid knowledge of laboratory measurement devices;
• Solid knowledge of basic optics, photonics, and low-temperature physics;
• Ability to identify problems with experimental apparatus/techniques and suggest or develop solutions; and
• Ability to safely and confidently use delicate, high precision scientific or measurement devices. 

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 RCO-2/AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $74,230 to $103,093.

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 $74,230.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, vacation, sick, and other leave entitlements, disability insurance and pension plans.

The NRC Advantage

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.
 
We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you.  Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.
 
At the NRC Employee wellness matters. We offer flexible work schedules as well as part-time work to help employees maintain work-life balance. We are one of the few federal organizations that close our offices during the December holiday season.  We offer professional learning and development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and a suite of mentorship, award and recognition programs. Diversity enables creativity and innovation. Fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive workplace is important to us, and contributes to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process. Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. 
 
Help us solve problems for Canada. Grow your career with us today!

Notes

Application Requirements:

In order to be considered for the Research Associate program please include the following in your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches.

• 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».

• 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.