Postdoctoral Fellow, Hydrogen Fire Dynamics and Explosion Analyst

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.

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 $82,338. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.

Project Title

“FIRESAFE - H2PIPE”: Fire behaviour and Hazard Analysis Tool for Hydrogen Transport in Pipelines

The Role

NRC is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to carry out research on fire behavior, hazard analysis, and explosion risks in transporting H2-NG blends through pipelines and fills existing knowledge gaps. The project will systematically characterize the risks of fire, and the associated ignition, propagation, and explosion phenomena from H2-NG blends.  It will also reference prior NG-network failures and fires to inform how crack size and leak locations are likely to influence risks and severity from H2-NG blends. An advanced fire behavior and hazard analysis tool will be developed to predict fire behavior, propagation patterns, and consequences within hydrogen-enriched pipelines to increase understanding of these critical aspects.

This research will generate fundamental fire-behavior and hazard-potential insights from H2 transport in NG-pipelines, and advanced predictive tools for simulating and quantifying them. This offers valuable opportunities for professional growth, publication, and personal development for the PDF. The PDF will have opportunity to develop new capabilities and allow the NRC to become a unique international organization with the expertise and facilities to impartially evaluate aged NG-infrastructure in controlled conditions to accelerate the safe and reliable adoption of H2 by the risk-adverse NG-industry.
 

Education

PDF Education Requirements:  

• Ph.D. in materials, mechanical, chemical or a closely related engineering field. 

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

Experience

• Knowledge of hazard analysis and prediction of fire and explosion behavior. 
• Fire modeling and fire-structure interaction modelling will be an asset. 
• Previous experience in bench scale fire and explosion testing, data analysis and modelling are highly desirable.

Language Requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

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, 2022*) 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

In order 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 from searches.

• 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

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 $63,470 to $179,422 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.

Notes

• 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.