Postdoctoral Fellow - National Research Council Canada Luise and Gerhard Herzberg Fellowship

The role

We are looking for a dynamic Postdoctoral Fellow, who identifies as a woman, to work within one of our 12 research centres located across Canada for a two-year term. Interested candidates from any science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) discipline can submit their fellowship research project for consideration. The research project must align with one of NRC's research centres’ research focus areas.

Our research centres and facilities span a broad spectrum of activities and enable our researchers and partners to advance research and accelerate commercial development that leads to scientific breakthroughs and innovation. Information on the NRC research centres and their research interests is available here: NRC Research Centres. Information on NRC facilities is available here: NRC Facilities .

The chosen candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

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

Candidates should have obtained a PhD within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2024) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.

* 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.

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

Experience

• Experience in publishing international calibre research papers in the refereed scientific or engineering literature;
• Experience in working in a team work environment; and
• Demonstrated research excellence.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

Various linguistic profiles

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Ability to conceive, organize, conduct, and publish independent research of international calibre;
• Expert knowledge in one or more science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) discipline;
• Expert ability to contribute to the planning and execution of research projects; and
• Advanced knowledge of the exploitation of research data, including proven ability to analyze or enable the interpretation of such data.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Application requirements

PLEASE FULLY REVIEW THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS

In order to be considered for the program you will need to attache 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.  Note that your application package will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of NRC researchers.

• You must attach the below list of documents.  If possible, please attach as PDFs.  When submitting your application you MUST attach the PDFs under "Other Attachments".  Additional documents will not be reviewed.

1. 1. Cover Letter (must include the NRC Research Centre - that is best suited for your fellowship research proposal.  See item 5 below.).
   2. Resume, including list of publications.
   3. Description of past research (maximum three pages).
   4. Original research proposal you would like to undertake as a fellow at the NRC.  Include the name of the NRC Research Centre intended to host your research proposal (maximum three pages excluding references). 
   5. Two letters of reference.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff the position at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and impact, and growth within the role.

The Postdoctoral Fellowships Program is unique to NRC. It falls under the RO/RCO classification system, which uses a person-based classification system rather than the more common task-based classification system.

NOTE: Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate's prior experience. This evaluation will consider specific achievements, skills, and contributions that demonstrate the candidate's impact and expertise. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985.

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 NRC, named in 2026 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.

Notes

• In 2026, 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.
• The NRC Luise and Gerhard Herzberg Fellowship is 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.
• 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 interviews will be contacted.