Job Description

A new position is being created within the Nuclear Response and Analysis (NR&A) Branch of the Safety and Security Directorate within Science and Technology at CNL. The Nuclear Response and Analysis Branch is devoted to enhancing Canada\xe2\x80\x99s ability to respond to a nuclear or radiological emergency, and performing S&T in the areas of nuclear forensics, bio-dosimetry, radiochemical analysis, nuclear security, and emergency response tools, as well as responding to requests from Federal Departments of the Government of Canada in this area. The expertise and capabilities within the branch will also be leveraged to support other CNL missions.

The successful candidate will work as part of the Nuclear Forensics (NF) Section. The NF section performs research and development to advance the science and methodologies of nuclear forensics including the broader scope of safety and security related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. This work utilizes various analytical and characterization techniques to analyze a wide range of materials, as well as design and develop new applications.

The selected candidate will be required to develop and validate new analytical methodologies; participate in commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical instruments; develop new techniques by using or modifying existing equipment to support the R&D activities of the NF section; oversee receipt and analysis of samples, and contribute to the design and development of new equipment. The successful candidate will also contribute to a team advancing mobile laboratories capabilities for analyzing a number of different chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) threat materials using mass spectrometry and/or gamma spectroscopy based techniques.

Excellent working knowledge of inorganic analytical chemistry techniques, including sample handling, preparation, wet chemistry separation techniques, instrumentation and statistical analysis of data including propagating uncertainties is required. Experience with inorganic mass spectrometry, quality control, quality assurance and scientific instrumentation will be utilized in this position. The candidate should be proficient in general operations and safety of a chemistry laboratory, preferably including handling radioactive materials. Prior experience with triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, as well as multiple analytical techniques will be a major asset.

DUTIES

• Analysis and documentation

o Oversight of trace level analysis using sophisticated analytical instrumentation, electronics and computers.
o Create work plans, including estimation of time required.
o Write operating procedures, and present results in clear error-free language in technical reports.
o Review and/or verify the results in the reports of colleagues.

• Provide technical input

o Develop new methodologies, obtain and analyze data.
o Recommend solutions to technical problems, including troubleshooting of mass spectrometer and wet chemistry methodologies.
o Contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust laboratory QA/QC program.

• Contribute innovative ideas. Conduct research and development in the area of nuclear forensics

o Contribute to research and development of methodologies and techniques applicable to detection, characterization and interpretation of radiological and nuclear materials.
o Devise new approaches, apply existing criteria in new manners, and draw complex conclusions.
o Contribute to preparation and/or review of proposals, reports and publications as well as presentations to stakeholders at conferences/technical meetings.
o Ensure research maintains required safety, schedule, budget and quality.

• Utilize skills and lab equipment/staff to support CNL and Government of Canada projects

o Develop and effectively articulate novel ideas, concepts, and proposals for new projects for existing or proposed new customers.
o Communicate with customers and stakeholders of the nuclear forensics labs.
o Participate in assessment of requirements and development of detailed plans required to meet them.

• Develop methods and provide technical guidance to technologists as required to complete the requests on time, on budget and to the required quality. Provide input on strategic direction, planning, and coordination of major research programs.
• Represent organizational or national scientific interests at national and international meetings, and help grow and direct CNL involvement in these activities.
• May provide technical guidance to one or two junior scientists, technologists/technicians or students assigned to work on a common project.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At minimum, a Master\xe2\x80\x99s of Science (with a preference for a PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Geochemistry) or relevant discipline from a university of recognized standing, or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
• Significant related scientific working experience and develops and maintains specialized scientific knowledge.
• Prior experience in developing methodologies, commissioning, or maintaining of scientific instrument, preferably in mass spectrometry and/or the nuclear science and technology field, with good writing skills exemplified by reports, both internal and external (with external publications considered an asset).
• Experience in mass spectrometry, sample digestion and separations, as well as general analytical and quality assurance is highly preferable.
• Experience in scientific instrumentation and methods, preferably in inorganic analytical chemistry or geochemistry.
• Training, practical knowledge and hands-on experience with analytical sample preparation and analysis, inorganic mass spectrometry and quality control.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills, particularly with multi-disciplinary teams and challenges.
• Make recommendations on technical issues, and prepare work plans with minimal supervision.
• Good computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and statistical analysis of uncertainties.
• Good analytical, documentation and communication skills. Maintains excellent records of work.
• History of working carefully, safely, and accurately, with good knowledge of and commitment to quality assurance.

Why CNL?
Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you? We\'re reinventing ourselves to be the pace setters, so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better-targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

We offer a complete total rewards package:
o paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal);
o benefits effective day one, that\xe2\x80\x99s right no waiting period;
o tuition support
o and a pension!

Location:
CNL\xe2\x80\x99s Chalk River laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an area that is environmentally pristine with extensive forests, hills and numerous small lakes, all of which support a variety of wildlife typical to the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Many surrounding towns, such as Pembroke, Petawawa and Deep River provide you with unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep! In fact, Deep River was named as the fourth best place to live in Canada in a recent ranking by movingwaldo.com.

About CNL:
CNL is Canada\'s premier nuclear science and technology organization and a world leader in developing nuclear technology for peaceful and innovative applications. Using our unique expertise, we are restoring and protecting the Environment, we are advancing clean energy technology, and our medical breakthroughs continue to improve the health of people around the world.

Our Priorities:

• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promote equity, diversity and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and a corporate culture built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity and Excellence, which encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects inclusive of accommodations for all employees.

CNL is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist with whom you are in contact. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

The Chalk River Laboratories site is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. As an organization, CNL recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. CNL also recognizes the contributions that First Nations, M\xc3\xa9tis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories