2025 Summer Student - Biology Student

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is bringing together the finest minds to form a diverse, vibrant and dynamic workforce culture energized by the innovative capacity of students, new graduates and mid-career professionals, underpinned by senior world-renowned experts. We hire numerous students from colleges and universities each semester to support our research and perform other assignments. If you are looking for exciting and challenging work this Winter, keep reading, and if you meet the requirements of this role, apply today!

The Radiobiology and Health branch of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is seeking a bright undergraduate student loving Life Sciences/Health Sciences, with special emphasis on a Computational/Bioinformatics background, and interested to take part in an exciting stem cell biology study, the epigenetic effects of low dose radiation exposure in stem cells.

Exposure to low dose ionizing radiation (LDR) has been associated with aging related health effects. An aging related decline in functional/regenerative properties of stem cells in elderly people represents a major health issue. We observed a substantial change in epigenomic and cell biological properties of human cardiac and human skeletal muscle stem cells upon exposure to ionizing radiation; we have generated an extensive amount of histone protein mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing data (OMICS) from biopsies of young and aged donors. We are extending this study to other stem cell types, including peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The successful candidate will be involved in growing adult stem cells and induced pluripotent cell lines (iPSCs) for gamma radiation exposure and further cell biological endpoint analyses. Additionally, analyzing the existing omics data may be part of this term position. Other conventional methods (western blot, fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry) may also be part of this project. Results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Thus, candidates with knowledge or experience in stem cell cultures and managing OMICS data are encouraged to apply.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and copy of an up-to-date transcript by the posting close date of January 5th at 11:59 pm EST to ensure consideration for student employment. All students applying for student positions at CNL must be returning to full-time studies upon completion of their work term. Exceptions will be made for students who require a work term to graduate.

Department: Radiobiology and Health
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: 4 months (May-August)
Field of Study: Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Computational major with emphasis on Bioinformatics.
Year of study: All years of study

What you will be doing:

• Following detailed written and verbal instructions under supervision, as well as conducting experiments independently once trained.
• Using various laboratory equipment and associated software for sample preparation and data analyses.
• Generating written reports (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel) showing processed and analyzed experimental data.
• Using Bioconductor (PYTHON based), UCSC genome browser and NCBI database.
• Attending at staff meetings and training courses when required.
• Other duties as required.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Currently enrolled and attending a Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Computational major with emphasis on Bioinformatics program.
• Experience
  • Experience with related software such as PRISM GraphPad and Microsoft Access.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent research and presentation skills.
  • Knowledge of statistics.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 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."

Why CNL?
Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you? We're reinventing ourselves to be the pacesetters so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better-targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

We offer Students:

• Paid Statutory Holidays (within the working term);
• 1 Company Floating Holiday;
• Instead of accumulative vacation time, students receive an additional 4% of earnings on each pay!

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

Location:

CNL's Chalk River laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an environmentally pristine area with extensive forests, hills, and numerous small lakes. These support a variety of wildlife typical to the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Many surrounding towns, such as Pembroke, Petawawa, and Deep River, provide unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep!

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders, and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities. Please read here for more on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and corporate culture built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity, and Excellence. These values encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects, including accommodations for all employees.

CNL is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please indicate via our ATS when applying. All information received regarding accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

The Chalk River Laboratories site is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. As an organization, CNL recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. CNL also recognizes the contributions that First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.

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