2025 Summer Student - Material Science 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 Fuel Fabrication Science and Technology (FFS&T) section, part of the Advanced Fuels and Reactor Physics (AFRP) branch, plays a key role in advancing the future of nuclear reactor design. In this innovative environment, new fuel concepts are developed and tested, contributing directly to the evolution of the nuclear industry. Leveraging the world-class infrastructure at CNL's Chalk River Laboratories (CRL), the FFS&T section is at the forefront of fuel and fuel component development. We collaborate with on-site facilities and experts in fabrication, engineering, and analytical sciences to advance cutting-edge nuclear research and technology. Currently, we are engaged in developing nuclear fuel solutions for CANDU reactors and exploring advanced fuel concepts for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Our work spans a variety of advanced manufacturing techniques, including Powder Metallurgy (PM), Spark Plasma Sintering, and Additive Manufacturing.

An Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Scientists. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for a motivated student to join a dynamic team and gain hands-on experience in a critical area of nuclear fuel research. As a Materials Science student, you will have the chance to grow your skills, contribute to groundbreaking research, and be mentored by experts in the field.

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: Advance Fuels and Reactor Physics
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: 8 months (May-December)
Field of Study: Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science/Engineering, Nanotechnology, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering
Year of study: All years

What you will be doing:

• Preparing nuclear fuel and surrogate material samples using conventional processes as well as cutting-edge manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing and Spark Plasma Sintering.
• Conducting tests on fabricated nuclear fuel samples to assess their performance and properties.
• Planning and delivering experimental work related to advance nuclear fuel materials, such as coated particle fuel.
• Developing new experimental capabilities to support advanced fabrication of nuclear fuel.
• Characterizing both fabricated and precursor nuclear fuel samples using various analysis techniques.
• Assisting with the documentation and reporting of research findings.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Currently enrolled in a Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science/Engineering, Nanotechnology, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering program.
• Experience
  • Laboratory experience and a strong understanding of the practical application of scientific knowledge.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a team of researchers and engineers.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on technical writing and documentation.
  • Proficient in data analysis and presentation, as well as MS office software.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
  • Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), 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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