Junior Research Officer, High Temperature Materials

The role

We are looking for a vibrant and dynamic Junior Researcher to support our High Temperature Materials team within the Aerospace Research Centre. The Junior Researcher would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

The primary responsibility of the Junior Researcher is to develop and apply, in collaboration with internal and external partners, predictive models including machine learning (ML), materials thermodynamics, etc. for high-throughput identification and screening of advanced materials for gas turbine engine applications. The Junior Researcher will be expected to think critically and creatively develop innovative solutions and approaches using modern ML methods and identify opportunities to adopt this technology into various research projects within the High Temperature Materials team. The Junior Researcher is also be expected to contribute to design, synthesis, processing, and characterization of the microstructures and thermal-mechanical properties of advanced high-temperature materials. The Junior Researcher works in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities also include the development of proposals for new research initiatives, project management, and providing service to NRC clients. The Junior Researcher provides input into the overall direction and research priorities for the program area within the context of the Portfolio business plan.

 
You will collaborate directly with senior personnel, other project managers and external clients.This position will appeal to a person who is well organized, who is detail-oriented, and who enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver excellent service.  

 
If you’re that person, then this may be the perfect role for you!  

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

M.A.Sc. or Ph.D. in materials science, aerospace engineering, or a related field with a focus on high temperature materials and application of digital tools such as machine learning for accelerated materials discovery and phase/property prediction.  

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

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in the research and development of advanced materials, particularly those used as high temperature materials in gas turbine engine applications;


• Demonstrated experience with the safe operation of a metallographic laboratory for the purposes of microstructural characterization, including the use of metallographic preparation equipment, chemicals, optical and scanning electron microscopy;


• Demonstrated experience in applying machine learning algorithms and techniques to materials science problems, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning;


• Experience with data preprocessing, model evaluation, handling large datasets, including data collection, cleaning, storage, and management;


• Experience with integration of computational results with machine learning models to predict material properties and behavior;


• Experience in statistical analysis and data visualization to interpret and communicate findings effectively; and


• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams, including materials scientists, engineers, data scientists, and industry stakeholders.
   

Assets:

• Experience in the operation of servo-hydraulic test equipment and software, particularly from MTS, and high temperature hardware such as furnaces, vacuum furnaces, and thermocouples;


• Experience in business development, marketing activities, and/or the development of partnerships and collaborations;


• Experience in the full spectrum of research activities including identification of research requirements, proposal writing, project management, data production and analysis, and reporting through written documentation, presentations, and publishing.

Condition of employment

• Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

• Must be able to work in conditions found in an ordinary laboratory environment with some (minimal) exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals such as adhesives and cleaning agents. Independently work in such environments in a safe manner, with a working-level tolerance to a typical test environment with enhanced noise levels, heat and reduced air quality; and


• Ability to hearing mechanical problems.

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

• Basic knowledge of machine learning techniques as applied to high-throughput materials research and development;


• Advanced knowledge of materials properties, behavior, and performance, especially those relevant to gas turbine applications such as high specific strength, thermal stability and resistance to fatigue, corrosion and creep;


• Basic knowledge of relevant programming languages used in machine learning;


• Basic understanding of aerospace industry requirements and standards, including the specific challenges and constraints related to materials used in gas turbine applications;


• Solid understanding of methods used for materials synthesis, processing, and characterization of microstructure and mechanical properties for advanced high temperature materials;


• Demonstrated ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals; and


• Demonstrated ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
      

Asset :

• Solid knowledge on the operation of high temperature equipment and servo-hydraulic test machines;


• Ability to manage research projects, including planning, execution, monitoring progress, work within timelines and budgets, and to adapt to changing project requirements.

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 this position at the JRO to AsRO level, which is an intermediate to senior-career level position with a salary range of $64,739 to $116,641. 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 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 largest research and innovation 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 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.


• 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.


• Candidates must use their cover letter to demonstrate how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster.


• Occasional national and international 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.