Job Description

City: Vancouver
Organizational Unit: Clean Energy Innovation
Classification: RO
Tenure: Term
Duration: 2 years
Language Requirements: English
Work arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.

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 $83,985. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.
Project title
Hierarchical Design of Porous Transport Layers for Enhanced Performance in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis.
The role
This project aims to advance the Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) technology for the production of clean hydrogen by developing innovative PTL structures to enhance interfacial properties. In PEMWE systems, the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) plays a critical role, affecting performance, efficiency and durability, yet current PTLs are often generic, off-the-shelf components lacking tailored designs and optimized interfaces. The absence of well-engineered PTLs impedes further advancements of PEMWEs.
The successful candidate will collaborate with graduate students, technical officers, and machine learning scientists to design, evaluate and intelligently optimize PTLs with innovative structures, delivering design guidelines for next-generation components.
The role includes designing independent in situ and ex situ experiments, mentoring short-term studens, and contributing to publications that will support the key component development for PEMWE. This work is expected to enhance efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, while enabling component standardized manufacturing and quality control. This effort contributes to strengthen Canada's supply chain for high-performance PTLs and facilitate the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy in Canada.
Education
PhD in either of the following:

• Electrochemistry
• Material Science or Material Science & Technology/Engineering
• Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see
Experience

• Essential: hands-on experience in PEM water electrolyzer or PEM fuel cells and a minimal of three first-authored peer reviewed publications
• Asset: Knowledge of Python coding

Language requirements
English
Condition of employment
Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.
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, 2023*) 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
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.
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.
The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also enjoy a wide-range of 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 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 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

• In 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region's Top Employers and Forbes Canada's Best Employers.
• 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.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (24490) to:
E-mail:
Telephone: 3439907905
Closing Date: 19 December 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time
For more information on career tools and other resources, check out
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.

Skills Required