Research Associate Program

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 invited to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Within a National Research Council Office across Canada

Classification: RO/RCO

Tenure: Term

Work arrangements: Depending on the nature of the work and operational requirements, positions hired through this program may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees who telework will be required to travel to the designated work site at least four times per week, or a minimum of 80% of their regular work schedule, at their own expense.

At the National Research Council (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 role

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the NRC, Canada's leading research and technology organization.

The Research Associate Program provides promising scientists and engineers with the opportunity to work in a challenging research environment during the early stages of their career. Applicants will be selected competitively and must demonstrate the ability to perform original, high-quality research in their chosen field.

Research Associates will be offered appointments to the staff of the NRC 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 Ph.D. recruiting rate is $83,985.

Length of term

The initial appointment will normally be for a two-year term, which may be extended subject to the Associate's performance and subject to the requirements of the NRC. The maximum period of employment as an Associate is 5 years.

Who can apply

You are eligible for the Research Associate Program if you possess a Ph.D. in natural science or engineering or a Master's degree in an engineering field earned within the last five years, or you expect to obtain the degree within six months. You must have a demonstrated ability to perform original high-quality research in your chosen field. This will be the main criterion used in selecting candidates and in considering extensions of their term.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

Application requirements

To be considered for the 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 - an electronic copy is sufficient

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

To maximize your chances of being considered for opportunities, ensure to include your preferred location(s) in the Preferred Location(s) section of the application.

Compensation

From $64,739 to $183,010 per annum.

The Research Associate (RA) Program is unique to the NRC. It falls under the RO/RCO classification system which uses a person-based classification system instead of the more common duties-based classification system. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, skill, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience.

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.

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.
• 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 (26045) to:

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 613-993-9101

Toll-Free: 1-877-NRC-CNRC or 1-877-642-2672

Closing date: There is no set deadline as this program is an ongoing process

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