Are you looking for a role that will challenge you and allow you to apply advanced mass spectrometry techniques to solve complex scientific problems? Do you enjoy leading laboratory activities, working with cutting‑edge instrumentation, and supporting programs that protect people and the environment? If you do, we are looking for an Analytical Chemist – Mass Spectrometrist to play a key role in overseeing day‑to‑day laboratory operations, supporting multidisciplinary projects, and advancing analytical capabilities at our Chalk River location. If this sounds like you, apply today!
What will you be doing!
- Supervising day-to-day laboratory and facility operations, including approving work procedures, providing technical guidance on chemical and analytical techniques, and conducting quality verification activities.
- Reviewing technical staff workloads, establishing operational priorities, and providing technical leadership through annual performance assessments and six‑month coaching discussions.
- Ensuring all activities comply with established Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) requirements, applicable environmental, industrial, and radiological safety regulations, and company policies and procedures.
- Coordinating on‑the‑job training, authorizing work permits within laboratory facilities, and interacting with internal and external customers to support program and project needs.
- Leading the development, optimization, and validation of analytical methods on a range of instruments, including ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, HVEMS, and VF‑MS.
- Providing technical leadership during troubleshooting activities and authorizing equipment repair and maintenance activities to ensure reliable laboratory operations.
- Producing, reviewing, and approving technical, progress, and standard analysis reports.
- Exploring opportunities to expand instrumental and procedural capabilities, including support for commercial and Science & Technology (S&T) contracts.
- Assisting the Section Head and Branch Manager as required to support branch objectives and strategic initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned by your manager.
What we are looking for:
- Education
- Ph.D. or M.Sc in Science from a university of recognized standing, PhD in Inorganic Analytical Chemistry is preferred, or other Analytical experience will also be considered.
- Experience
- Experience in analytical method development, laboratory supervision, laboratory operations and organization, team management, and customer liaison.
- 2-5 years of experience would be considered an asset.
- Experience with instrumentation electronics, computer coding and vacuum technology is considered an asset.
- Experience applying standard QA/QC procedures, including work in an ISO 17025-accredited lab, is highly desirable.
- Experience in the development, validation and documentation of analytical methods is required.
- Experience in the development, validation and documentation of analytical methods is required.
- Experience in the application of standard QA/QC procedures, with experience in an ISO 17025-accredited lab, is highly desirable
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- In-depth knowledge in at least one of the following areas:
- Sample preparation techniques, including dissolution/separation/pre-concentration and ICP-MS analysis of elements and isotopes in diverse types of samples, or mass spectrometric analysis of gases in gas samples and analysis of gaseous elements as impurities in metal samples by commercial instruments or an in-house-built instrument.
- Demonstrated organizational, and time-management skills are highly desirable.
- Good oral and written communication skills are essential to performing the duties of the position.
- Ability to effectively interact with staff at various levels (technical, management, and customer) to meet operational objectives.
- May be required to deliver oral presentations at technical meetings and attend appropriate technical workshops.
- Ability to prepare new project proposals and lead projects with guidance and supervision from the Section Head/Branch Manager.
- Ability to provide pre-job work briefs and QA/QC instructions and produce a variety of documentation, including operations reports, scientific reports and journal papers.
- Demonstrated effective team leadership and team building skills.
- Knowledge of the proper handling and storage of hazardous chemicals and radioactive substances is desirable.
- Good knowledge of statistical analyses of data and propagated uncertainties is desirable.
- 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:
- Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.
- This position is part of the CRPEG Union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
- This position would require performing office and laboratory work.
- It involves the handling of toxic and hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials. Most of the work will be performed during regular day-shift hours; however, occasional work during off-shift hours (including weekends) may be necessary to meet customer requirements.
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: Fully Onsite
This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. 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.
