Can you see yourself supporting cutting‑edge research that helps uncover how ionizing radiation affects human and animal biological systems? In this role, you’ll maintain advanced molecular biology instruments, plan and execute experimental procedures, analyze results, and contribute to reports that support both internal programs and external clients. You’ll work hands‑on with a variety of techniques—from microscopy and flow cytometry to PCR and radiation exposure systems—while helping develop and refine SOPs, protocols, and quality‑controlled lab processes. If you’re passionate about impactful research, meticulous lab work, and contributing to health‑focused scientific discovery, this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference. Apply today!
What will you be doing!
- Maintaining and operating the molecular biology and experimental fleet of instruments in the Dosimetry and Health Risk Section, performing various experimental procedures to support research projects.
- Planning experimental procedures, conducting experiments, and effectively reporting the findings in relation to the effects of ionizing radiation on cells, tissues and body fluids derived from humans and animals.
- Organizing and maintaining both laboratory facilities and associated equipment.
- 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.
- Leading and/or participating in the set-up, calibration, operation, and maintenance of specialized and standard laboratory equipment.
- Developing, modifying, updating, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and experimental protocols and implementing them.
- Interacting with contractors and vendors for technical discussions on equipment, software, and materials. Preparing Scopes of Work (SOW) for contractor services as required.
- Keeping proper laboratory notes and records in accordance with QA standards and requirements.
- Participating in the analysis of experimental results and contributing to the preparation of reports for internal use or external clients.
- Checking inventory and replacing supplies (reagents, and materials).
- Submitting purchase requisitions and technical specifications for materials, equipment, computer hardware and software.
- Handling and processing biological samples for molecular, biological, cytogenetic, immunocytological, and immunohistochemical analysis.
- Conducting biological data acquisition using various techniques, including microscopy, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time PCR, among others.
- Conducting radiation exposures of biological samples (eg. gamma, X-Ray, neutron, tritium, and alpha exposures).
- Preparing chemical solutions and laboratory reagents.
- Maintaining inventory of laboratory reagents, supplies, and equipment.
- Collecting and disposing of expired chemicals, biological, chemical, and radioactive laboratory wastes.
- Maintaining laboratory software and equipment (requiring familiarity with technical manuals and software applications), including performing instrument calibrations and quality assurance (QA) operations.
- Maintaining laboratory records clearly, accurately, and neatly.
- Using and developing customized spreadsheets for calculations and result reporting.
- Participating in staff meetings, assessments, audits and attendance of training courses when required.
- Developing, modifying, and updating Job Hazard Assessments (JHA) when required.
- Maintaining fridges and freezers, including defrosting, daily temperature recordings, and maintenance as per manufacturer specifications (verifying alarms, changing batteries, changing filters, etc).
- Preparing biological samples for experimental analysis and completing experimental procedures.
- Aiding in the development and troubleshooting of new protocols.
- Working and communicating effectively, and coordinating activities with other team members.
- Working safely within a Licensed Nuclear Facility.
- Ensuring compliance with facility regulations and requirements.
- 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, biotechnology, biochemistry, medical laboratory, etc., with a minimum of six (6) to eight (8) years of pertinent technological experience. OR
- Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent and normally has ten to twelve (10-12) years of pertinent and progressive experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.
- Experience
- Hands-on work experience in research or standard biological techniques.
- Training / Experience in keeping laboratory notebooks, electronic data, and physical records.
- Training / Experience in molecular techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, assessment of nucleic acid purity, integrity and concentration, and qPCRs is highly desirable.
- Training / Experience in epigenetic techniques is an asset.
- Training / Experience in preparing and following standard operating procedures, experimental procedures, and technical reports.
- Training / Experience in aseptic cell culture technique is required; experience handling human and mouse cells and/or cell cultures is highly desirable.
- Training / Experience in Laboratory Biosafety Level 2 is an asset.
- Previous or current employment in a nuclear research laboratory environment is desired.
- Familiarity with light and fluorescent microscopic techniques is an asset.
- Familiarity with both flow cytometry and cell sorting instrumentation is an asset.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent work performance and self-motivation.
- Excellent pipetting skills.
- Ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
- Ability to effectively respond to challenging schedule demands; Overtime or flexible work schedules may occasionally be required.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Commitment to quality with an understanding of the basic principles of QA and the willingness to conform to and prepare QA procedures, if required.
- Willingness to learn new techniques and concepts.
- Proficiency in MS Office software applications.
- Excellent record-keeping and well-organized.
- Demonstrated safety culture in a laboratory setting.
- Work experience in a nuclear facility is desired.
- Able to perform basic biological laboratory skills; this broadly includes pipetting, dilutions, measuring reagents, handling biological samples, handling DNA, RNA and proteins.
- Basic knowledge of the biological effects of radiation.
- Knowledge and work experience in epigenetic techniques and concepts are an asset.
- Group-2 and 3 Radiation Protection training or the willingness to acquire them, is required (CNL-specific training will be provided).
- Work experience in a biosafety level 2 facility is an asset.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques and cell cultures is required.
- Knowledge and work experience with radiation safety principles are desired (CNL-specific training will be provided).
- 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:
- The main working environment is a biochemistry laboratory. Work with radioactive compounds follows ALARA principles, and personal protective equipment is required. Some work is in an open office environment (cubicles). The work week is 37.5 hours. This position requires an on-site presence of at least 90%.
- Work involves handling reagents that may be radiological, chemical, or biological hazards according to proper safe laboratory practice. It also involves using sealed and unsealed radioactive sources for exposure to biological material and requires handling radioactive samples. Finally, it involves performing experiments in a very clean laboratory setting.
- Willingness to participate in health assessments, biological monitoring or medical surveillance programs for radiological and other contaminant hazards, if necessary.
- Willingness to participate in occasional scheduled work overtime or flexible work schedules.
- It may require working in radioactive labs and donning of PPE&C when working with radiological samples.
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.
