Research Associate, Epitaxy

Discover the possible

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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.

The role

The Quantum and Nanotechnologies (QN) Research Centre is seeking a Research Associate in Epitaxy to support its research programs in advanced photonic and quantum technologies. The successful candidate will share the organization’s core values of integrity, excellence, respect, and creativity, and will contribute to research activities that strengthen the NRC’s capabilities in III–V semiconductor technologies.

The primary responsibility of this position is to support the goals of the NRC and the QN Research Centre through the research, development, and application of III–V epitaxial growth techniques for optoelectronic and quantum devices.

The Research Associate will work in a collaborative team environment alongside researchers and technical specialists in world-class facilities. In addition to hands-on research activities, the role includes contributing to the development of new research proposals, supporting project management activities, providing technical services to NRC clients, and offering input into the overall research direction and priorities of the program area in alignment with the QN business plan.

Working closely with QN staff and external partners, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing, operating, and troubleshooting a molecular beam epitaxy laboratory dedicated to the growth of arsenide- and antimonide-based III–V semiconductor heterostructures. The candidate will design and grow advanced epitaxial structures and will characterize these materials using a range of optical and structural analysis tools available at the QN Research Centre, including X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

The current research focus of the III–V MBE laboratory is the development of arsenide- and antimonide-based optoelectronic and quantum devices. These include quantum well diode lasers, quantum cascade lasers, interband cascade lasers, two-dimensional electron gas structures, and infrared and terahertz detectors. These technologies are key enabling components for applications in imaging, sensing, and quantum technologies, covering a wide spectral range from near-infrared to terahertz.

The Research Associate will conduct cutting-edge research on arsenide- and/or antimonide-based material growth, building upon existing research directions and developing new projects aligned with QN strategic priorities. The role requires close collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and active participation in NRC priority and client-driven research projects.

The successful candidate will also collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to various NRC client and priority research projects.

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

PhD in Physical Sciences, Electrical Engineering or a field related to semiconductor materials growth.

As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD in Physical Sciences, Electrical Engineering or a field related to semiconductor materials growth, within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

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

Experience

• Experience operating and maintaining III-V (arsenide or antimonide) MBE growth systems.


• Experience designing and growing III-V MBE structures for optoelectronic and/or quantum devices.


• Experience characterizing III-V wafers and epitaxial structures, including by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Experience with photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is an asset.


• Experience ensuring the safe operation of an III-V MBE facility and handling hazardous semiconductor materials and waste.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

Language requirements

English  

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Expert ability to grow epitaxial III-V semiconductors materials using Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE).


• Strong knowledge of semiconductor physics and devices.


• Expert ability to conduct complex bandgap engineering for compound semiconductors (binary, ternary, quaternary, quinary).


• Knowledge of WHMIS and Occupational Health & Safety regulations.


• Knowledge of microfabrication techniques and standard process flows for optoelectronic and quantum device fabrication.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

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.

NOTE: The Research Associate (RA) Program is unique to the NRC. It falls under the RO/RCO classification system which uses a person-based classification system instead of the more common duties-based classification system. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, skill, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience.

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.

Notes

• 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.


• Travel may be required.


• 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.