Research Associate - High Temperature Materials and Electrochemistry - NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI)

Vancouver - British Columbia
RA
This is a two year term position from the date of reporting.
Background
At NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI), our mission is to support Canada in becoming a world leader in sustainable energy and provide a global solution to air pollution and climate change by accelerating the commercialization of fuel cell technologies. We aspire to become a world leader in fuel cell and hydrogen innovation and integration, thereby supporting NRC's vision of becoming a world leading national research organization. We also believe that accepting and celebrating diversity is essential to our success. Our employees have been corporately and nationally recognized for their commitment and dedication to discovering, understanding, and learning from each other.
We are an outstanding employer of outstanding people seeking a qualified and motivated Research Associate- High Temperature Materials and Electrochemistry to join our diverse team as part of our Hydrogen and Fuel Cells National Program.
Your Challenge
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell National Program is a joint program involving NRC, NRCan and NSERC with the goal of integrating efforts across government towards a greater impact on the Canadian fuel cell and hydrogen industry. The focus of this program is on two areas: Advanced PEM and Lower Temperature SOFC.
As Research Associate- High Temperature Materials and Electrochemistry, you will work with other expert researchers to undertake scientific research, in line with the Institute’s mandate and objectives. This is an opportunity to apply your creativity, innovation, and high regard to safety to create new knowledge and also to discover new products and processes.
NRC-IFCI has extensive experience working with the national industry association, Canadian Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association and other world leading organizations such as Ballard, AFCC, and Hydrogenics.
You will have access to all the resources of NRC-IFCI including: - Access to modern labs and equipment in a LEED certified building - Travel as necessary to attend conferences and seminars - Publication charges - Computing support - Library resources An excellent, service-oriented team will provide you with guidance and answer any questions you may have regarding human resources issues, travel arrangements, purchasing, etc.
This position is open to nationals of all countries, although, among applicants of equal merit, preference will be given to citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
Our competitive benefits package includes extended health and dental coverage, pension plan, disability and life insurance, and a variety of leave entitlements.
If you are eager to join our team of dedicated professionals towards achieving our mission, you may be the candidate we are looking for.
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
As part of the RA Program you must have received your PhD in Materials Engineering, Materials Chemistry, Materials Physics Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Physics, or Electrochemistry within the last 5 years or you expect to receive the degree within the next 6 months.
Experience
Basic research experience with some evidence of published papers in refereed journals and/or other publications in Materials for High Temperature Electrochemical Processes and/or Solid State Electrochemistry.
Basic research experience in ceramic materials for solid oxide fuel cells would be an asset.
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
Language Requirements
English
Assessment Criteria
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
Technical Competencies: Solid knowledge of:
Ceramic materials synthesis, processing and characterization
Solid State Electrochemistry
High Temperature Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Characterization tools including XRD, SEM, TEM and Impedance Spectroscopy
Demonstrated ability to:
synthesize and characterize ceramic materials
operate experimental equipment such as TMA, XRD and SEM
carry out research independently and in a team effort
write technical reports and present scientific findings, in English, leading to publications in prestigious journals
understand and follow safety protocols and contribute to the development of safety guidelines
Behavioural Competencies:
For this position, NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profiles:
Research Cluster
Creative Thinking (Level 3) Communication (Level 2) Results Orientation (Level 2) Initiative (Level 2) Teamwork (Level 2) Self-Knowing and Self-Development (Level 2) All competency profiles are available for internal candidates at: http://hr-rh.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/careers/Career_Main.nsf/pagee/LearnNet.html.
For this position, NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): ResearchAll competency profiles are available at: http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/jobsnow/competencies_e.html.
Desirable
Resumes will be reviewed starting February 16, 2009 and will be reviewed as received. Relocation
Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with NRC's directives.
Salary Range
The Research Associate 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. In addition to the salary, employees in the RA Group are entitled to a Terminable Allowance of $8,000 per year.
Closing Date
Posted until filled
Notes
This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously, however first consideration will be given to internal applicants.
RA Program:
In order to be considered for the Research Associate Program all applicants must include a copy of their resume, two letters of recommendations, their transcripts, and a copy of their degree with their application.Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform original high-quality research in their chosen field. The initial appointment will normally be for a two-year term. Appointments may be extended subject to the Associate's performance and subject to the requirements of NRC. The maximum period of employment as a Research Associate is five years.Additionally, by applying to this competition this application will be added to the national NRC Research Associate Program Inventory and may be considered for other RA positions as they become available.For further information regarding the RA Program, please visit our website at: http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/programs/raprogram_e.html
To Apply All applications must be submitted on-line. Please do not fax or email your applications. By applying over the web, your application becomes available to managers immediately.You should also be prepared to attach your résumé into the online application form in one of the following formats:
Microsoft Word 2000 or earlier
Rich Text Format (RTF)
ASCII text
PDF
As an employer who values diversity in its workforce, we encourage candidates to self-identify as members of the following designated groups: women, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. Measures for accommodation are available to all candidates retained for further assessment.
Please review useful instructions before applying online. To obtain a copy of the job description Please direct your questions, with the competition number (38-08-38) to:E-mail: wlmailhtml:%7BFE9E9CF0-5453-4238-8CBB-535C2A4D0B17%7Dmid://00000024/!x-usc:mailto:hrb.ifcicomp.ext@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca?subject=38-08-38%20Research%20Associate%20-%20High%20Temperature%20Materials%20and%20ElectrochemistryTelephone: (604) 221-3020