Research Officer, Building Acoustics
Job Summary
Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations Inuit and Métis) persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.
* The Employment Equity Act which is under review uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.
Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.
City:Ottawa
OrganizationalUnit:Construction
Classification:RO
Tenure:Term
Duration: 3 years
Language Requirements:English
Work arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).
At the NRC we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.
We are looking for a Research Officer Building Acoustics to support our Construction Research Centre. The Research Officer Building Acoustics would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity.
The primary responsibility of the Research Officer (RO) is to support the goals of NRC and the Research Centre through research of and the development and application of advanced technologies. The RO works in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities include designing and making measurements for research projects project management and providing service to NRC clients. The RO provides input into the overall direction and research priorities for the program area within the context of the Research Centre business plan.
As part of a multidisciplinary team developing and deploying technical solutions for construction sector clients the incumbent will support and conduct research activities dealing with the control of sound transmission in multi-unit buildings. Research activities focus on characterizing the acoustic performance of multi-unit construction relating this performance to key construction details modifying the design details to achieve enhanced performance for airborne and impact sound insulation.
Transferring research findings to industry and stakeholders is also an important responsibility of this position
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:
PhD in a relevant field of Engineering such as Acoustic Architectural Civil Mechanical or Electrical.
A Masters degree in a relevant field of Engineering combined with relevant experience may be considered.
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency
- Experience in designing and conducting research activities dealing with the evaluation and control of sound transmission in buildings.
- Experience in experimental design and analysis including data collection and analysis overseeing data production and ensuring data quality.
- Experience using measurement systems and analysis techniques to characterize sound fields and sound transmission.
- Experience in identification of research requirements proposal writing project management and reporting through written documentation presentations and publishing.
- Experience working with standards specifications or building codes dealing with acoustical performance of buildings would be an asset.
Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
- Knowledge of physical acoustics including sound transmission in buildings.
- Knowledge of measurement instrumentation and methods to characterize direct and flanking transmission in buildings for airborne and impact sound. For example:
- Measurement of STC rating
- Measurement of IIC rating
- Solid knowledge of acoustical signal analysis.
- Ability to design and use electro-acoustic instrumentation systems to measure control and characterize sound fields in buildings.
- Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
- Research - Communication (Level 2)
- Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
- Research - Initiative (Level 2)
For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research
View all competency profiles
This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO) a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast from $64739to $183010per annum which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range ofcompetitive 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.
Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2026 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.
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
- A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
- 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.
Please direct your questions with therequisition number (25630) to:
Telephone:
Closing Date: 8October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time
For more information on career tools and other resources check outCareer tools and resources
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
About Company
The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) is one of Canada’s key security and intelligence organizations. We work tirelessly to protect Canada and Canadians against threats by providing valuable foreign signals intelligence. We also develop and provide sophisticated and advance ... View more