Micro-Nanofabrication / Microfluidics Technical Officer - 2 positions

Discover the possible

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

As Canadas leading research and technology 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 Role

We want to fill two Technical Officer positions in Micro-Nanofabrication and Microfluidics reporting to the NRC Bioanalytical Micro-Nano Devices Section which is composed of more than 40 researchers and technical officers with a unique combination of expertise spanning from physics nano and microfabrication engineering chemistry molecular biology and cellular biology.

The first position located on the University of Torontos downtown campus will support the strategic collaboration between the NRC the University of Toronto and Unity Health Toronto through the Centre for Research and Applications in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT).

The second position located at the NRC facilities in Boucherville Quebec will focus on supporting the delivery of strategic projects within the Medical Devices Research Centre particularly in the area of microfluidic systems development and their applications in health. This is an area in which the NRC is internationally recognized.

Selected candidates will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team recognized for its innovation in the field of microfluidics and micro-nanodevices fabrication. More specifically the technical work will support areas of research encompassing the use of lab-on chip systems for integration of molecular and cellular assays artificial living systems and portable molecular diagnostic devices for various applications such as environmental food and water safety clinical applications including in-vitro diagnostics for remote and space applications as well as the emerging cell-based immunotherapy. The candidate will contribute to progress science & technology as well as practical applications in the field of life sciences research and clinical application.

The Technical Officers in Micro-Nanofabrication and Microfluidics will provide technical support for research work aimed at developing methods for the fabrication of micro-nanostructured devices in a cleanroom environment assembly of polymer-based microfluidic devices and support the automation and validation of assays based on NRC microfluidic technologies. The individual selected will also have to recognize and resolve problems associated with the experimental or analytical techniques compile experimental reports maintain facilities develop assembly procedures and actively support quality management systems. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently as well as part of the broader R&D team in an environment requiring a high-level of adaptability and multitasking.

These positions also include the following on-going responsibilities:

(i) Maintaining/procuring laboratory equipment space logbooks and inventories
(ii) Fostering healthy and safe work practices and
(iii) In Toronto: training and supervision of facility users including CRAFT students.
In Boucherville: support quality management systems and assembly processes.

About CRAFT in Toronto

CRAFT mandate is to drive the development of a national science and technology platform establish an industry cluster for biomedical micro/nanodevice innovation and foster their translation into commercial products providing solutions to significant clinical problems. CRAFT is an international leader in biomedical microdevices for in vitro diagnostics artificial living systems and biomanufacturing. It nurtures an ecosystem between scientists engineers clinicians technology companies and the entrepreneurial community that publishes impactful research pro-actively protects intellectual property and translates device innovations to products and clinical solutions.

For the position located in Toronto the work will be performed as part the CRAFT research program in cooperation with University of Toronto and Unity Health Toronto researchers industrial partners or other government laboratories. The intent of the position is to help realize exciting projects in the areas of bio-devices design microfabrication and their applications in in-vitro-diagnostics regenerative medicine and bio-manufacturing. As CRAFT is co-located between the University of Torontos downtown campus and the NRC Medical Devices Research Centre laboratories in Boucherville Quebec occasional travel to the NRC Boucherville site may be required.

Screening Criteria

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:

Education

Bachelors degree in physics engineering physics biomedical-engineering mechanical engineering electrical engineering materials engineering or related discipline is required.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please seeDegree equivalency

Experience

1. Significant and recent work experience in a cleanroom environment and in a micro- or nanofabrication laboratory.
2. Significant and recent work experience in developing micro-nanofabrication processes for the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices using techniques such as photolithography wet/dry etching thin-film deposition hot embossing PDMS casting maskless lithography and CNC machining.
3. Experience with various characterization instruments used in micro-nanofabrication and microfluidics including: optical microscope scanning electron microscope profilometers goniometer etc.
4. Experience with the development or operation of microfluidic technologies.
5. Experience in producing designs using 2D or 3D design software such as AutoCAD L-Edit Inventor SolidWorks and equivalents.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

Language Requirements

English or French.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

1. Solid knowledge of the techniques and materials used in micro and nano fabrication.
2. Solid hands-on knowledge of the use of cleanroom fabrication equipment such as photolithography alignment stations etching systems and thin-film deposition methods.
3. Knowledge of microfluidic systems fabrication characterization and operation principles.
4. Ability to produce designs using 2D or 3D design software such as AutoCAD L-Edit Inventor SolidWorks and equivalents.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research; Research Technician/Technologist.

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $66126to $91012 per 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.

Notes

• In 2025 the NRC has been chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People the National Capital Regions Top Employers and Forbes Canadas Best Employers.
• The successful candidate must be willing to travel occasionally across Canada and internationally to represent NRC.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
• A pre-qualified listmay 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.