Research Officer, Fire Safety

The Role

We are looking for a Research Officer (RO), Fire Safety with high calibre research capabilities and expertise in applying fire science and engineering to modern fire safety challenges, to support our Construction Research Centre. The RO would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.
 
One of the major initiatives that this position will support is the Construction Research Centre’s “Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale” to accelerate and scale up new technologies to help transition the Canadian construction sector towards decarbonization and contribute to the emerging low-carbon economy. It will also establish new codes, standards, specifications, and guidelines to position the sector to help Canada achieve its 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon reduction targets. These investments will help spur the growth of Canada’s clean technology sector and help achieve Canada’s international commitments to reduce GHG emissions.
 
As a Research Officer, you will work as a member of the Advanced Construction Practice and Fire Safety (ACPFS) Unit, interacting with a multi-disciplinary team of research and technical officers in world-class facilities.  You will collaborate internally with colleagues in other NRC research units as well as externally with a broad range of stakeholders in the construction industry.
 
Responsibilities include:
 

• Developing proposals for new research initiatives, client-focused projects, probabilistic and reliability-based models, and innovative technologies and methodologies to minimize the destructive impact of fire on life safety, the built environment, and the economy. 
• Supporting and contributing to the development of NRC and CRC research priorities.
• Providing scientific evidence to support the development of building codes, regulations, design guidelines, and technical standards.
• Providing input into the overall direction and research priorities of the ACPFS Unit within the context of the Research Centre business plan.

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

PhD in engineering, science, architecture or a relevant area of expertise is preferred. 

An equivalent combination of a related PhD or Master’s degree in engineering, with significant relevant experience may be considered.
 

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

Experience

• Significant experience in fire science and engineering, including experience in applying analytical and computational methods in developing or optimizing solutions to various fire safety challenges in the built environment, as well as  evaluating structural fire behaviour.
   
• Significant experience in the full spectrum of research activities including identification of research needs, proposal writing, project management, fire experiments, data production and analysis, written reports, presentations and impactful scientific publications.
   
• Significant experience in experimental design and analysis, including data collection and analysis, and ensuring data quality.

The following assets will be considered: 
 

• Experience in applying and/or developing building and fire codes, including developing alternative solutions.
• Experience in fire risk assessment and fire risk mitigation. 
• Experience in business development, marketing activities, and/or the development of partnerships and collaborations.
• Experience in working in multi-disciplinary teams.
   

**Significant experience: 2–6 years’ experience

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

• Knowledge of fire safety engineering, structural fire resistance, fire science (including fire dynamics), fire protection and mitigation strategies and systems.  
   
• Knowledge of analytical and computational fire modelling and life safety assesement techniques.
   
• Knowledge of techniques for designing and conducting experiments (bench-scale to full-scale) to investigate fire behaviour.  
   
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.
   

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $62,071 to $175,466 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.
 

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). 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

• 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.