Can you see yourself contributing to breakthrough radiochemistry research that advances life‑saving medical isotopes and next‑generation radiopharmaceuticals? In this role, you’ll conduct hands‑on radiochemical experiments, support isotope production, and work with advanced analytical techniques alongside a talented team committed to improving the safety and effectiveness of targeted radiotherapies. You’ll help develop protocols, analyze results, maintain specialized equipment, and support both Federal and Commercial projects that directly benefit the health of Canadians. If you’re motivated by meaningful science and want your work to truly make a difference, this is the opportunity for you. Apply today!
What you will be doing!
- Conducting radiochemistry based experiments, developing and performing radiochemical separations, and performing analytical techniques for a variety of radiological samples.
- 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.
- Performing detailed radiochemical analysis of samples and preparing data analysis reports.
- Preparing experimental protocols and executing them. These can be related to one or more of the following: radionuclide production, radionuclide separation and purification, radiolabelling of small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, stability studies, analytical method development, in vitro tests in cell lines, in vivo tests in animals, small-animal imaging, etc.
- Participating in the routine operation of a lab-scale Th-229/Ac-225 generator.
- Setting up experiments, tests, and analyses using a variety of instruments and techniques, including radio-HPLC, radio-TLC, alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, and automated liquid handling.
- Calibrating, operating and maintaining of standard laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, water purification system, pipettes, pH meters, UV visible spectrometers, etc.
- Operating computer software in equipment-control applications, using and developing customized spreadsheets for calculations and result reporting.
- Developing, modifying, updating, and following Standard Analytical Procedures (SAPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Standard Calibration Procedures (SCPs).
- Preparing chemical solutions, maintaining the chemical inventory, and overseeing the collection and disposal of chemical and radioactive wastes in the laboratory.
- Keeping proper laboratory notes.
- Participating in the analysis of experimental results and contributing to the preparation of summary reports for internal use or external clients.
- Adhering and conforming to CNL’s S&T QA Programs and preparing QA documentation, including non-conformances reporting.
- Developing and conducting programs of sampling and analysis for quality control purposes, either directly or through interaction with Analytical Chemistry services.
- Applying and documenting the use of equipment or procedures in a unique and innovative way.
- Sourcing equipment from new vendors and navigating the procurement process.
- Working and communicating effectively as a team member, 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
- Graduated from a recognized institute of advanced technology in a field relevant to the position (Radiochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Forensics, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering Technology or related field), or equivalent formal education, preference will be given to these candidates. OR
- Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent and normally has more than three (3) years pertinent experience or the equivalent in experience, additional education and/or training.
- Experience
- Experience preparing working procedures and technical reports.
- Knowledge or experience working with radioactive compounds (e.g., one or more among identification, separation, purification, radiolabelling) is a significant asset.
- Knowledge and work experience with radiation safety principles is desired (CNL specific training will be provided).
- With chemical separation techniques for metal ions, including co-precipitation, column chromatography separation, solvent extraction etc., is desirable.
- With the use of radiation detectors, gamma-spectrometry, alpha-spectrometry, liquid scintillation counters, and similar radiation counting equipment is desirable.
- With HPLC, TLC, and similar chromatographic techniques and/or MS, ICP-MS is desirable.
- Familiarity with specialized chemistry/radiochemistry software is a strong asset.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Advanced understanding of the principles of radiochemistry and radioanalytical techniques.
- Good computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets is required.
- Excellent work performance, with good knowledge of, and commitment to quality assurance.
- Knowledge of radiation protection is desired, and Group-2 Radiation Protection training is required (provided by CNL).
- 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 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.
