Research Officer, Structural, Building Envelope Systems and Insulation in Ottawa

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. Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Construction

Classification: RO

Tenure: Term

Duration: 3 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.

The primary responsibility of the Research Officer (RO) is to support the goals of NRC and the Research Centre through research related to the structural performance of prefabricated panelized construction and modular construction systems. The RO will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop, conduct and report research on the structural performance of prefabricated panelized and modular construction systems, including structural components, assemblies, connections and interfaces. The RO will apply experimental methods, structural analysis and numerical modelling to address technical and regulatory challenges and develop evidence to support evaluation pathways, potential code and standards development for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Activities will also include collaboration with the construction and prefabrication industries, Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC), Codes Canada, standards development organizations, universities and other research organizations. Research results will be communicated through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, test methods, and design guidance.

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: PhD in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, with expertise in structural analysis and research experience related to prefabricated building systems, assemblies, and connections.
• Experience: Significant experience conducting experimental research on structural systems, components, assemblies and/or connections, including laboratory testing and analysis of structural performance. Experience with prefabricated panelized or modular systems, including walls, floors, roofs and/or volumetric modules. Experience designing and conducting full-scale or large-scale structural testing, including static, cyclic or other representative loading of structural components and assemblies. Experience applying analytical or numerical modelling, including finite-element methods, to evaluate structural behaviour and complement experimental testing. Experience working with building codes, structural standards, industry partners and/or technical committees related to structural performance of buildings or construction systems.

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

Language requirements: English

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

• Technical competencies: Solid understanding of structural engineering principles, including load paths, strength, stiffness, stability and serviceability. Solid understanding of the structural behaviour of prefabricated panelized construction and modular construction systems. Knowledge of structural connections, interfaces and load-transfer mechanisms in prefabricated construction. Ability to design structural testing programs, including test configurations, boundary conditions, loading protocols, instrumentation and interpretation of results. Knowledge of analytical and numerical modelling methods for evaluating structural systems and validating models using experimental results. Knowledge of National Building Code of Canada structural requirements and relevant structural design and testing standards.

Behavioural competencies: Research - Teamwork (Level 2), Research Technician/Technologist - Creative thinking (Level 3), Research Technician/Technologist - Results orientation (Level 3), Research - Networking (Level 2).

Compensation: The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AsRO-AcRO level, which is a mid-career level position with a salary range of $82,338 to $136,871. 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: 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. In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. 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.

Closing Date: 30 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time.