Are you looking for a role that will challenge you and allow you to develop and assess advanced nuclear fuels, materials, and fuel cycles that support next‑generation reactor technologies? Do you enjoy working across disciplines, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technologists to solve complex problems that advance small modular reactors and make a meaningful difference for the environment? Our Chalk River location is looking for a Fuel Research Scientist to contribute to innovative research spanning fuel fabrication, characterization, and performance assessment in a supportive, team‑based environment. If this sounds like you, apply today!
What will you be doing!
-
Conducting multi‑disciplinary research to advance the fabrication and assessment of advanced nuclear fuels and structural materials for high‑temperature reactor applications.
-
Assisting in developing fabrication and quality control processes for TRi‑structural ISOtropic (TRISO)‑based nuclear fuel.
-
Assisting in developing and applying additive manufacturing processes for uranium‑based nuclear fuels.
-
Developing and implementing quality assurance plans for experiments, including improving measurement methods and standardizing procedures to ensure high‑quality data.
-
Preparing, writing, and presenting experimental results in a timely manner through technical reports, peer‑reviewed journal publications, and presentations at internal forums and national or international conferences.
-
Collaborating with junior and senior CNL staff across research branches and support organizations (radiation protection, trades, procurement, and waste management), as well as external partners, manufacturers, and suppliers.
-
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists engaged in nuclear fuel research.
-
Ensuring compliance with all safety, health, and CNL quality program requirements.
-
Supporting researchers and technical officers in planning, designing, implementing, and conducting experimental programs.
-
Reporting regular progress and updates on assigned projects.
-
Preparing and managing work control documentation in compliance with CNL safety‑related programs.
Other duties as assigned by your manager.
-
What we are looking for:
-
Education
-
At minimum, a Bachelor's (Honour) in Engineering or Science from a university of recognized standing; or membership in an engineering or scientific professional organization authorized by statute to establish qualification for membership in that organization.
-
A Ph.D. from a university of recognized standing, in materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering or a related field, with material fabrication experience would be considered an asset.
-
Experience
-
A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a nuclear engineering environment is required, including proposal writing, data analysis, and technical report writing.
-
A strong background in materials science, and inorganic and physical chemistry is an asset.
-
Experience with molten salts, ionic liquids, or metallic alloys is an asset.
-
Experience in problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in experimental science.
-
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
-
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
-
Demonstrated ability to effectively present work to expert and non-expert audiences.
-
Demonstrated motivation and ablity to work independently and collaboratively.
-
Working knowledge of various materials characterization techniques, for example, optical microscopy, SEM, TGA, DSC, and dilatometry.
-
Knowledge of safety procedures in laboratory operations is essential.
-
Knowledge of nuclear fuel concepts and principles is an asset.
-
Knowledge of nuclear materials handling practices and procedures is desirable.
-
A good understanding of compliance and applicable Quality Assurance (QA) programs, and a keen safety culture are needed to perform well in this job.
-
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
-
Expertise in high-temperature materials fabrication, additive manufacturing, and/or wet route is an asset.
-
Expertise in thermal, physical, and microstructural materials characterization is an asset
-
Knowledge of research practices and principles is an asset.
-
Security Clearance Eligibility Required
-
Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
Working Conditions:
-
Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, seven and a half (7.5) hours per day for a thirty-seven and a half (37.5) hour work week.
-
This position is part of the CRPEG Union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
-
Work in moderate-radiation-hazard environments where personal protective equipment is required (Radioisotope Laboratories, Hot Cells).
-
Work location will be in CNL’s controlled area (radiation training required and provided; must be able to use a respirator; frequent monitoring is necessary; security checkpoints are part of the daily routine; daily commute by foot from the parking lot to the work area is required; food and drink limitations exist in the work area).
-
Food consumption is generally not possible except at lunchtime.
-
The environment demands high vigilance to alarms, lights and signals as a safety requirement.
-
Occasional daytime/overnight travel to national or foreign locations.
Why CNL?
Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.
From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.
What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package
We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
-
Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
-
Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
-
Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
-
A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security
Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?
-
Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
-
Restoring and protecting the environment
-
Contributing to the health of Canadians
If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!
Location: Fully Onsite
This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratory site, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee. Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.
Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!
We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:
-
Respect
-
Teamwork
-
Accountability
-
Safety
-
Integrity
-
Excellence
These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.
CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via [email protected]. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.
CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.
