Research Officer, Photonics Devices

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: Quantum and Nanotechnologies

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 role

We are looking for a Research Officer, Photonics Devices to support our Quantum and Nanotechnologies (QN) Research Centre. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Working with clients and partners, the National Research Council Canada provides strategic research, innovation support, scientific and technical services to develop and deploy solutions to meet Canada's current and future industrial and societal needs.

The primary responsibility of the successful candidate will be to support the goals of the NRC and the Quantum and Nanotechnologies (QN) Research Centre through research and development and application of advanced quantum photonic technologies. The candidate will work in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. The candidate is expected to be abreast of leading-edge research directions in photonics.

Working with QN staff and external partners, the successful candidate’s key activities will be to conceptualize, design, model, fabricate, and characterize advanced thin-film optical materials and filters. These materials and filters will be used as passive components or integrated into advanced photonic components and devices for communications, sensing, and computing technologies, aligned with the specific needs and project objectives of the NRC and its clients.

The candidate will be able to design and model multilayer thin films optical filters, have a good knowledge of thin film deposition of multilayer filters and vacuum systems, be able to characterize and analyze thin films materials and filters with demonstrated knowledge of the physics (particularly thin films optics), materials, and performance evaluation of optical filters. The candidate is expected to be familiar with optical characterization methods such as spectrophotometry and spectroscopic variable angle ellipsometry.

This position requires familiarity with some methods for designing optical filters (typical filters and custom filters) and their performance evaluation. The candidate is expected to be familiar with some thin films vacuum deposition techniques and thickness monitoring methods. As part of his work, the person in this position will be responsible for designing and fabricating optical coatings on waveguides (semiconductor device waveguide facets, or fiber optics tips) and is expected to be familiar with waveguide optics. The candidate will also be required to communicate efficiently when meeting with NRC clients to establish project objectives, develop work plans, deliver on project objectives and report on project progress, execute on agreed internal and client projects aligned with the QN Research Centre strategic plan, and lead or contribute to the development of proposals for new research initiatives.

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

MSc or PhD in Physical Science, Physics Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering related thin films optics.

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

Experience

• Significant experience in thin films optics, optical filters, waveguide optics.
• Experience in thin film optical material and filter characterization using spectrophotometry and/or spectroscopic ellipsometry.
• Experience in thin films optical interference filters design.
• Experience in vacuum thin films deposition systems and thickness monitoring, for fabrication of multilayer optical coatings.
• Experience with a programming language such as python for calculation and instrument control.

Condition of employment

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

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of thin films optics, optical filters, waveguide optics, and basics of semiconductor devices.
• Knowledge of optical thin films characterization techniques, namely spectrophotometry and/or spectroscopic ellipsometry.
• Knowledge of the basic methods for designing thin films optical interference filters.
• Knowledge of vacuum thin films deposition systems and thickness monitoring techniques, in the context of fabrication of multilayer optical coatings.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in written and oral formats and to work effectively in collaborative, milestone-driven research environments.

Behavioural competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 3)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 3)
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

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 $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's 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 the requisition number (26117) to:

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 343-548-2032

Closing Date: 13 November 2026 - 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 Careersmodule from your NRC computer.