Technical Officer, Biology

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.

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 Technical Officer 3 (TO-3) specializing in biology to join our Medical Devices Research Centre. The Research officer will be someone who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity.

The Technical Officer Biology will provide technical support to research work for developing and performing different techniques in biology molecular biology and biochemistry with environmental food or clinical samples. The individuals selected will also have to recognize and resolve problems associated with the experimental or analytical techniques and the approaches used. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently as well as part of the broader R&D team as well as function in an environment requiring a high-level of adaptability and multitasking..

The successful candidate will join the NRC Bioanalytical Micro-Nano Devices (BioAMND) Section which spans two locations (Toronto Boucherville) and includes more than 40 35 researchers and technical officers specializing in physics nano and microfabrication engineering chemistry and molecular and cellular biology.

The selected TO candidate will be part of the Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT) will strengthen NRC and CRAFTs internationally recognized research activities and help transform discoveries into value-added research platforms and clinically adopted devices.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team the incumbent will be responsible for observing and recording preliminary results and will have to discuss progress in experiments and interpretation of results with the researchers and/or other technical officers and make recommendations for improvements as needed.

The work will be performed as part the NRCs approved research programs in cooperation with industrial partners universities or other government laboratories.
The position includes maintaining laboratory equipment space logbooks and inventories as well as responsibilities involving health and safety.

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:

Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry Biotechnology Cell and Molecular Biology or other disciplines relevant to the position.

A College Diploma in Laboratory Technology with a combination of significant experience could be considered.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

Extensive recent experience (3-5 years) in molecular biology/microbiology laboratory:

• Strong experience with DNA and RNA extraction purification and quantification.
• Hands-on experience with PCR RT-PCR and qPCR.
• Experience with NGS library preparation preferably Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
• Hands-on experience operating Oxford Nanopore platforms such as MinION or GridION.
• Experience working with microbial samples including bacteria and preferably viruses.
• Experience developing optimizing and troubleshooting laboratory protocols and methods.
• Experience with metagenomic or untargeted sequencing for microbial/pathogen detection is highly desirable.
• Experience with low-input samples microbial enrichment and/or host nucleic-acid depletion is an asset.
• Strong experience with experimental controls contamination prevention QC and documentation.

Reliability Status

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

English or French

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

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

• Solid knowledge of molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction purification quantification PCR RT-PCR and qPCR;
• Solid knowledge of NGS workflows including nucleic acid quality control library preparation barcoding and sequencing;
• Working knowledge of Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies and platforms including MinION;
• Working knowledge of microbiology techniques and handling of microbial samples including bacteria and viruses;
• Working knowledge of metagenomic and untargeted sequencing approaches for microbial/pathogen detection;
• Ability to optimize and troubleshoot molecular biology sample preparation and sequencing protocols;
• Ability to perform experimental design quality control data collection basic analysis interpretation and documentation;
• Knowledge of contamination prevention experimental controls and good laboratory practices for molecular and microbial workflows.

Assets:

• Knowledge of microbial enrichment host nucleic-acid depletion and processing of low-input or complex biological samples;
• Ability to work in and support the operation of a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory and contribute to the development of biosafety protocols.

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

View all competency profiles

From $66126to $91012per annum.

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.

• In 2026 the NRC was chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
• The candidates are required to answer a screening question as part of the application process.
• 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.