Postdoctoral Fellow - Quantum-Enhanced Optical Microscopy

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 

Organizational Unit: Metrology Research Centre 

Classification: RO 

Tenure: Term 

Duration: 2 years 

Language Requirements: English 

Work arrangements:  Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

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

The program

The NRC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program offers PDFs access to unique world-class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside multi-disciplinary teams of expert researchers and technicians on projects of critical importance to Canada. PDFs will carry out research on innovative research projects, with opportunities for career development (publications and/or industry interaction).

PDFs will be offered appointments to the staff of the National Research Council on a term basis and will be offered salaries and benefits currently available to Research Officers. Salaries commensurate with experience are taxable and subject to other deductions. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.

Project title

Squeezing the Limits: A Quantum-Enhanced Raman Imaging Platform for Ultratrace Chemical Detection

The role

Sensitivity remains a fundamental limitation in chemical imaging, restricting characterization of materials in complex environments. Overcoming this requires enhancing signal or reducing background and noise. The candidate will address both within a single imaging framework, leveraging patented NRC knowhow and ongoing quantum light source developments to establish a quantum‑enhanced chemical imaging platform based on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy that combines signal enhancement, background suppression, and quantum noise reduction.

The candidate will join two ongoing research projects in key application areas for the Canadian government: nanoplastics and critical minerals. For nanoplastics, tracking and locating plastic particles will help determine how plastic exposure impacts biological processes. For critical minerals, rapidly screening rare species will lead to increased yields and reduced waste in mining. By the end of the project, the candidate will be positioned to help lead future applications of advanced imaging to priority areas for Canada.

Education

PhD degree in electrical engineering, optics, physics, engineering physics or a closely related field.

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

Experience

• Hands-on experience in a scientific lab setting and using a variety of laboratory test equipment;
• Experience working with quantum optics, nonlinear optics and/or atomic and molecular physics;
• Experience working with optical components and systems;
• Experience collecting and analyzing data; and dissemination of results.

The following may be considered an asset:

• Python or other programming experience;
• Experience working in metrology;
• Experience with nanoscale material characterization
• Experience with nonlinear optical spectroscopy
• Experience in optical spectroscopy

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Condition of employment

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

Who is eligible?

• Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
• Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2024*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
• Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.

• Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.

Application requirements

To be considered for the program please include the following in your application, 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
• Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
• PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient, it does not have to be an official version.
• List of Publications

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

In addition, applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation at a later stage of the competition process.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff the position at the AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and impact, and growth within the role.

Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate's prior experience. This evaluation will consider specific achievements, skills, and contributions that demonstrate the candidate's impact and expertise. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985.

The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also 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.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s 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 Canada’s future and the world.

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

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Fellowships are open to nationals of all countries, although 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 the requisition number (26321) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 343-575-9808

Closing Date: 7 January 2027 - 23:59 Eastern Time 

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career 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.