Can you see yourself contributing to vital research that helps us better understand how ionizing radiation affects biological systems? In this role, you’ll support experiments involving cell culture, molecular extractions, imaging, and next‑generation sequencing while learning and applying advanced laboratory techniques. You’ll maintain equipment, manage lab inventories, document results, and help develop and follow SOPs that keep research running safely and efficiently. If you're passionate about hands‑on science and want your work to directly support impactful radiobiology research, this is the opportunity for you. Apply today!
What will you be doing!
- Acquiring detailed knowledge and understanding of experimental procedures and instrumental methods used in the laboratory and keeping up to date with current developments in the field.
- Preparing and executing experimental protocols can relate to one or more of the following: cell culture establishment and maintenance, animal handling, necropsy and tissue collecting, extraction of DNA, RNA, and protein from cells and/or tissue samples, preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunostaining of cellular targets for microscopic imaging or precipitation assays, etc.
- Participating in set-up, calibration, operation, and maintenance of standard laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, water purification systems, pipettes, pH meters, UV visible spectrometers, etc.
- Keeping proper laboratory notes.
- Participating in analyzing experimental results and contributing to preparing summary reports for internal use or external clients.
- Developing, modifying, updating, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Maintaining the inventory of chemicals, reagents, and materials.
- Participating in the collection and disposal of chemical and radioactive waste.
- Enacting procurement orders for purchasing lab supplies.
- Completing all required training and renewals on time.
- Other duties as assigned by your manager.
What we are looking for:
- Education
- Graduation from a recognized institute of advanced technology or equivalent formal education in a field relevant to the position, such as biology, molecular/cellular biology, immunology, etc. and two to three years of pertinent technological experience OR Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent and has typically five to eight years of relevant and progressive experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.
- Experience
- 2-3 years of hands-on work experience in a biology laboratory is preferred.
- Relevant technological experience is considered an asset.
- Training / Experience in keeping laboratory notebooks, electronic data, and physical records.
- Training / Experience in preparing experimental procedures and technical reports.
- Experience with 3D organoid cultures is a strong asset.
- Experience with animal models and basic animal handling is preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent work performance and self-motivation.
- Knowledge of quality assurance practices.
- Good verbal and written communication skills that facilitate quality teamwork, instruction, and effective interactions with other research teams, vendors, and groups on site.
- Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent record-keeping and well-organized.
- Ability to perform basic biological laboratory skills, which broadly includes pipetting, dilutions, measuring reagents, handling biological samples, and handling DNA and RNA.
- Knowledge and experience performing standard, advanced technical lab procedures; examples include quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blots, immunostaining assays, flow cytometry, cell counting, etc. Experience with confocal microscopy is preferred.
- Prior knowledge and experience with genetic manipulation techniques (i.e., cloning, CRISPR Cas9 gene editing, plasmid, and lentiviral transfection, etc.) is considered a strong asset.
- Competence in culturing and maintaining 2D cell cultures.
- Ability to analyze and interpret experimental results proficiently and perform basic graphing using software such as Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism®, SigmaPlot®, or equivalent software.
- Must be efficient and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Self-organized, able to establish priorities within a given work schedule and willing to change priorities depending upon work requirements.
- 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.”
Working Conditions:
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods.
- Ability to lift items/packages up to 20 kg.
- Good vision and hearing.
- Good dexterity of both hands.
- Working with radioactive compounds.
- Working with chemicals.
- Ability to follow safety rules and regulations.
Why CNL?
Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.
From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.
What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package
We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
- Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
- Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
- A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security
Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?
- Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
- Restoring and protecting the environment
- Contributing to the health of Canadians
If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!
Location: Onsite
Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.
Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!
We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.
CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via jobs@cnl.ca. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.
CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.
