Theme Lead, Quantum Networking

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

 

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

 

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

 

City: Ottawa 

Organizational Unit: Quantum and Nanotechnologies 

Classification: RCO 

Tenure: Continuing 

Language Requirements: English

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

 

At NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the hiring team using the contact information below.

The Role

We are looking for a Theme Lead, Quantum Networking (RCO) to support our Quantum and Nanotechnologies (QN) Research Centre. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.  

 

The Theme Lead will support the Quantum Networking theme of the Quantum InterNetworking (QUIN) Challenge Program. The Challenge Program will have multiple themes that together support the overall Program objectives, with each theme focused on a strategic area of technology within the program. The Theme Lead will be hosted and support initiatives in the QN Research Centre. 

 

Under your leadership, the Theme will bring together government, community, academic and business researchers. A core team of research, technical, and program management staff from across many of the NRC’s national research centres will support this research. In addition, funding will be provided for or over the life of the Programs to fund the participation of other government departments, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and academic partners and their teams in the Program as appropriate.

 

As Theme Lead, you will consult with partners and stakeholders on the Program approach within your theme, advise on outcome(s), build the team, establish and help manage the projects within the Theme, and help lead the Themes to achievement of the target outcomes of the overall Programs.

 

To successfully do so, you will have experience as a researcher, supporting large research programs, assessing scientific proposals, and supporting and advising executive level managers. You will have the experience and attributes required to support collaborative multidisciplinary teams with expertise in of disciplines related to quantum sensing and communications.

 

You will be part of NRC’s QN Research Centre, reporting directly to the Director of the QUIN Challenge Program, but expected to work collaboratively with other Research Centres across NRC.

 

This is a unique opportunity to play a leadership role in advancing multiple forms of research, to help transform the Canadian Quantum InterNetworking landscape.

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 physics, engineering physics, chemistry, or mathematics from a recognized university.

 

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

Experience

  • Experience developing multi-year R&D programs or projects and applying the associated metrics for discovery-oriented work.
  • Experience in providing strategic advice and counsel on complex initiatives to executives including Directors General, Directors and/or other equivalent positions in the public or private sectors.
  • Experience working with governments, academia and industries in a research environment.
  • Experience leading, planning, monitoring and re-aligning studies, projects or strategic initiatives within a fast-paced and complex environment.
  • Significant* experience designing and delivering strong impact presentations to various audiences.
     

The following criteria would be considered assets:
 

  • Significant* experience managing partnerships including contributions, terms of engagement, reporting and intellectual property (IP) ownership.
  • Experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience applying the principles, tools and practices of administrative, financial, and human resource management.
  • Significant* experience working in R&D in industry in an area relevant to the position.
     

* 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.

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

  • Knowledge of the mandate, structure and operating environment in large R&D organizations, specifically within the federal government.
  • Significant knowledge of the Quantum Networking field and its applications in a broad range of sectors, including current and emerging trends globally.
  • Knowledge of the players, dynamics, and business models of industry sectors in quantum sciences and technologies as well as the related R&D fields nationally and internationally.
  • Knowledge of the practices and principles of negotiating and securing business and partnership relationships.
  • Ability to autonomously evaluate and advise on the risk of R&D projects.

Behavioural Competencies

  • Management services - Client focus (Level 3)
  • Management services - Communication (Level 3)
  • Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
  • Management services - Results orientation (Level 3)
  • Management services - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2)
  • Management services - Teamwork (Level 3)
  • Management services - Networking (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

 

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-4 level, with a salary range of $140,321 to $164,894

 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. 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 such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

 

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.

 

 

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (23786) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 5142069802 

Closing Date: 24 April 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time

 

 

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

 

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.