Micro-Nanofabrication / Microfluidics Technical Officer

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 want to fill a Technical Officer position in Micro-Nanofabrication and Microfluidics reporting to the NRC Bioanalytical Micro-Nano Devices Section which is composed of more than 40 researchers and technical officers with a unique combination of expertise spanning from physics, nano and microfabrication engineering, chemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology.

The position, which is located on the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, will support the strategic collaboration between the NRC, the University of Toronto, and Unity Health Toronto through the Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT).

Selected candidate will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team recognized for its innovation in the field of microfluidics and micro-nanodevices fabrication. More specifically, the technical work will support areas of research encompassing the use of lab-on chip systems for integration of molecular and cellular assays, artificial living systems, and portable molecular diagnostic devices for various applications such as environmental, food and water safety, clinical applications including in-vitro diagnostics for remote and space applications, as well as the emerging cell-based immunotherapy. The candidate will contribute to progress science & technology as well as practical applications in the field of life sciences research and clinical application.

The Technical Officer in Micro-Nanofabrication and Microfluidics will provide technical support for research work aimed at developing methods for the fabrication of micro-nanostructured devices in a cleanroom environment, assembly of polymer-based microfluidic devices, and support the automation and validation of assays based on NRC microfluidic technologies. The individual selected will also have to recognize and resolve problems associated with the experimental or analytical techniques, compile experimental reports, maintain facilities, develop assembly procedures, and actively support quality management systems. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently as well as part of the broader R&D team in an environment requiring a high-level of adaptability and multitasking

This position also includes the following on-going responsibilities:

1. Maintaining/procuring laboratory equipment, space, logbooks and inventories, 
2. Fostering healthy and safe work practices, and
3. Training and supervision of facility users, including CRAFT students.

About CRAFT in Toronto

CRAFT mandate is to drive the development of a national science and technology platform, establish an industry cluster for biomedical micro/nanodevice innovation, and foster their translation into commercial products providing solutions to significant clinical problems. CRAFT is an international leader in biomedical microdevices for in vitro diagnostics, artificial living systems, and biomanufacturing. It nurtures an ecosystem between scientists, engineers, clinicians, technology companies, and the entrepreneurial community, that publishes impactful research, pro-actively protects intellectual property, and translates device innovations to products and clinical solutions.

The work will be performed as part the CRAFT research program in cooperation with University of Toronto and Unity Health Toronto researchers, industrial partners or other government laboratories. The intent of the position is to help realize exciting projects in the areas of bio-devices design, microfabrication and their applications in in-vitro-diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and bio-manufacturing. As CRAFT is co-located between the University of Toronto’s downtown campus and the NRC Medical Devices Research Centre laboratories in Boucherville, Quebec, occasional travel to the NRC Boucherville site may be required.

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

Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering physics, biomedical-engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials engineering, or related discipline is required. 

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

Experience

• Significant and recent work experience in a cleanroom environment and in a micro- or nanofabrication laboratory.
• Significant and recent work experience in developing micro-nanofabrication processes for the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices using techniques such as photolithography, wet/dry etching, thin-film deposition, hot embossing, PDMS casting, maskless lithography, and CNC machining.
• Experience with various characterization instruments used in micro-nanofabrication and microfluidics, including: optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, profilometers, goniometer, etc.
• Experience with the development or operation of microfluidic technologies.
• Experience in producing designs using 2D or 3D design software, such as AutoCAD, L-Edit, Inventor, SolidWorks and equivalents.

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

• Solid knowledge of the techniques and materials used in micro and nano fabrication.
• Solid hands-on knowledge of the use of cleanroom fabrication equipment, such as photolithography alignment stations, etching systems and thin-film deposition methods.
• Knowledge of microfluidic systems fabrication characterization, and operation principles.
• Ability to produce designs using 2D or 3D design software, such as AutoCAD, L-Edit, Inventor, SolidWorks and equivalents.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research Technician/Technologist;

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $66,126 to $91,012 per annum. 

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

• In 2025, 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.
• 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.