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SalaryThe Advanced Fuels and Reactor Physics (AF&RP) branch in the Advanced Reactors Directorate at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) invites applications for a full time Research and Development (R&D) Technical Officer. CNL's AF&RP branch develops technologies for fabrication of advanced nuclear fuels, measures fuel material properties, conducts post-irradiation examinations to study the fuel performance characteristics, and conducts reactor physics calculations and experiments in the ZED-2 research reactor. Projects include assessment of advanced nuclear fuels, molten salts and structural materials to support the development and implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies.
The purpose of this position in Fuel Materials Section is to support and deliver R&D fuel characterization projects and activities. The position is essential to maintain equipment and laboratories in working condition; ensure compliance activities are carried out; develop new material preparation and characterization methods and experimental set ups; deliver projects that require (active or inactive) sample preparation, characterization, possibly fuel repackaging; and develop strategies to carry out those activities.
The Fuel Materials Section activities include thermophysical properties measurements of oxide and metallic nuclear fuels and other materials such as molten salts and nuclear graphite. These measurements are required to support the development of advanced fuel materials, evaluate performance, inform safety evaluations, and increase thermal properties knowledge. Tasks are multi-disciplinary, and include interfacing with staff from: advanced fuel manufacturing, hot-cells, physics, thermal hydraulics, safety, analytical chemistry, etc.
Functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Conducting sample preparation for thermal analysis, optical and electron microscopic characterization of materials and support thermo-physical property measurement in AF&RP laboratories:
o Performs experiments and troubleshooting, generates and compiles data, makes calculations and prepares graphs and charts.
o Contributes to the analysis of the data, the writing of the final report, and maintains records (databases, formal and informal documentation, lab notebooks, etc.).
- Maintaining equipment:
o Work with internal services to support preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment.
o Work with internal services on disposal of waste and decommissioning of equipment.
- Preparing radioactive and non-radioactive samples for tests, which may include working with fume hoods and shielded facilities.
- Solving technical problems related to equipment, sample preparation and procedures.
- Participating in the safe operation of laboratories.
- Reviewing and writing reports, test plans, procedures, quality assurance documents, etc.
- Other duties as assigned by the Branch Manager or Section Head.
- Preference will be given to candidates that have graduated from a recognized institute of advanced technology, or equivalent formal education with strong qualifications in chemistry, materials science, or related science.
- Or Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent and normally has more than 3 years pertinent experience and/or training.
- Two or three years of relevant work experience with scientific instrumentation will be considered an asset.
- A demonstrated commitment to safety is essential;
- Experience working safely with chemicals;
- Ability to work independently and in teams;
- Aptitude in learning new skills, multitasking, meeting deadlines, and achieving objectives and goals;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
- Knowledge of and commitment to quality assurance.
- Experience interpreting mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
- Proficiency in laboratory practices and techniques relevant to materials testing, record-keeping and planning;
- Strong computer skills;
- Knowledge of or experience with data acquisition systems and processing of scientific data;
- Hands-on experience performing complex experiments is desirable;
- Experience with creating mechanical drawings with AutoCAD or Inventor3D CAD software is an asset
- Experience with high vacuum systems and performing high temperature experiments are an asset;
Security clearance eligibility required: Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security”.
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.
- paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal);
- benefits effective day one, that’s right no waiting period;
- tuition support
- and a pension!
- Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
- Restore and protect the Environment.
- Contribute to the health of Canadians.
Location:
CNL’s 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.
CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes 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 that is 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 indicate via our ATS when applying. 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, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.
