2025 Fall Student Program- Nuclear Forensics Student -Chemistry / Material Science Student

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is bringing together the finest minds to form a diverse, vibrant and dynamic workforce culture energized by the innovative capacity of students, new graduates and mid-career professionals, underpinned by senior world-renowned experts. We hire numerous students from colleges and universities each semester to support our research and perform other assignments. If you are looking for exciting and challenging work this Fall, keep reading, and if you meet the requirements of this role, apply today!

The Nuclear Response and Analysis (NRA) Branch at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is devoted to enhancing Canada's 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 Nuclear Forensics (NF) section performs research and development to advance the science and methodologies of nuclear forensics and utilizes various analytical and characterization techniques to analyze a wide range of materials.

The selected student will work with scientists from Nuclear Forensics section who are developing techniques for analyzing a number of different Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) threat materials using ICPMS and SEM-EDS and Raman techniques. Successful candidate will assist in the operation of QQQ-ICPMS and development and validation of ICPMS techniques for detection and quantification of nuclear and radiological material. The candidate will also assist NF scientists with method development for the analysis of CBRNE samples using SEM-EDS and Raman techniques

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and copy of an up-to-date transcript by the posting close date of May 8th at 11:59 pm EST to ensure consideration for student employment. All students applying for student positions at CNL must be returning to full-time studies upon completion of their work term. Exceptions will be made for students who require a work term to graduate.

Department: Nuclear Response & Analysis
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: 4 months (September-December)
Field of Study: Chemistry and or Material Science
Year of study: 3rd and 4th year or higher

What you will be doing:

• Assisting scientists and technologists in commissioning of QQQ-ICPMS, and testing and validation of QQQ-ICPMS methods.
• Assisting in developing QQQ-ICPMS general standard operating procedure and specialized procedures for analysis of samples significant to nuclear forensics.
• Assisting with operation of QQQ-ICPMS and SEM-EDS and Raman instruments. Assisting scientists and technologist in sample processing and sample preparation, for example, digestion of samples, and preparation of calibration, calibration verification and reference material standards to be used for analysis.
• Supporting method development for CBRNE materials analysis using the SEM-EDS and Raman instruments as needed.
• Assisting scientists and technologist with general lab duties such as equipment set up, maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Training (e.g., laboratory and workplace health and safety, radiation protection) as required by the supervisor or management.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager

What we are looking for:

• Education & Experience
  • Currently enrolled at a university of recognized standing in a scientific field of study- Chemistry, and/or Material Science.
  • Prior hands-on experience or coursework in operating analytical instrumentation, particularly ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, and Raman spectroscopy is an asset.
  • Laboratory experience in conducting scientific experiments.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Good analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and willingness to learn in a research lab environment.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's "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 pacesetters 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 Students:

• Paid Statutory Holidays (within the working term);
• 1 Company Floating Holiday;
• Instead of accumulative vacation time, students receive an additional 4% of earnings on each pay!

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

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

For more details about our student program including FAQs, timelines, resume writing tips, and more visit: Student Careers - Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Location:
CNL's Chalk River laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an environmentally pristine area with extensive forests, hills, and numerous small lakes. These 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 unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep!

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. Please read here for more on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and corporate culture built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity, and Excellence. These values encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects, including 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 regarding 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.