Research Associate, Semiconductor Fabrication

Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2025 one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas 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 Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats 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.

The NRC has an important role within the Government of Canadas Defence Industrial Strategy accelerating research and innovation and helping Canadian businesses develop leading-edge technologies for civilian and military use.

With expertise across fields such as transportation quantum science medical countermeasures and advanced manufacturing the NRC is hiring to drive the development of national sovereign defence capabilities. The following role will support the NRCs contributions to defence priorities.

We are looking for an early-career Research Associate Semiconductor Lithography to support the Advanced Technology Fabrication (ATF) facility at the Quantum Nanotechnology Research Centre. The Research Associate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity.

Working with clients and partners the National Research Council Canada provides strategic research innovation support scientific and technical services to develop and deploy solutions to meet Canadas current and future industrial and societal needs. The ATF offers our clients and partners access to cutting-edge semiconductor research and fabrication capabilities providing simulation design fabrication testing characterization and prototyping. Bringing cutting edge research to the benefit of Canadian society and industries.

The key activities of the Research Associate Semiconductor Fabrication are:

• Perform the role of fabrication prime for processes which support the objectives of the Quantum Internetworking (QUIN) Challenge program projects;
• Develop optimize and validate new fabrication processes (ebeam and optical lithography metallization thin film deposition and etch inspection and metrology);
• Collaborate to establish and validate process blocks and process flows for quantum devices and components fabrication;
• Fabricate quantum devices and components which satisfy the performance metrics of QUIN program projects.

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:

As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD or Masters in Physical Chemical or Materials Sciences or other engineering disciplines within the last five years or you expect to receive the degree within the next six months.

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

• Significant recent** hands-on experience in a semiconductor fabrication environment;
• Significant recent ** hands-on experience in semiconductor process (lithography metallization thin film deposition and etch) development and optimization;
• Significant recent** hands-on experience in the operation of semiconductor processing tools (lithography metallization thin film deposition and etch)
• Hands on experience with direct write lithography and electron beam metallization tools would be considered and asset.

**Significant recent experience is defined as of least two (2) years of experience gained within the last 5 years.

Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Solid knowledge of semiconductor processing principles (lithography metallization thin film deposition and etch) and characterization techniques;
• Solid knowledge of qualifying and maintaining semiconductor processes;
• Demonstrated ability to integrate semiconductor fabrication process in the fabrication of semiconductor-based devices; and
• Solid knowledge of safe working practices in a semiconductor device fabrication environment; including working with chemicals compressed gases liquid nitrogen and electrical mechanical and vacuum systems.

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile:Research

View all competency profiles

The intent of this hiring action is to staff through the Research Associate (RA) Program at theAsRO level which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83985to $116641.

NOTE:Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidates expertise outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the a guide the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83985.

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.

Application Requirements:

To be considered for the Research Associate program please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded.

• Resume
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation

When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as Second language evaluation results or Other attachments.

• In 2025 the NRC was chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People aNational Capital Regions Top Employerand Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
• 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.