2025 Summer Student -Physics Engineering/physical Chemistry 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!

CNL's AF&RP branch develops technologies for fabrication of advanced nuclear fuels, measures fuel material properties, and conducts reactor physics calculations and experiments in ZED-2 research reactor. On-going projects include assessment of advanced nuclear fuels, molten salts and structural materials to support the development and implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies.
The activities of the Fuel Materials Section include transport and thermodynamic properties measurements of nuclear fuel and other materials. These measurements are required to support the development of advanced fuel materials, evaluate performance, inform safety evaluations, and increase thermal properties knowledge.

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: Advanced Fuels and Reactor Physics
Number of Positions: 1
Duration: 8 months (May-December)
Field of Study: Engineering Physics, or Physical Chemistry
Year of study: 3rd and 4th year of studies

What you will be doing:

• Supporting a team of technical staff to investigate thermo-physical properties (density, melting point, heat of fusion, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, …) of molten salts, nuclear fuels and structural materials such as nuclear graphite.
• Supporting structural characterisation of molten salts and graphite (e.g., X-ray diffraction).
• Supporting researchers in processing experimental data.
• Configuration of software.
• Analyzing results and documentation.
• Working with a team of scientists and technologists.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Currently enrolled in a Engineering Physics, or Physical Chemistry program.
  • Applicants should have completed courses in thermodynamics and have general background in physics, chemistry, and materials.
• Experience
  • Be experienced with data processing.
  • Have experience with computer programming for data modelling and analysis (e.g., Python), is an asset.
  • Have Experience using thermodynamic modelling software, is an asset.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Have a good knowledge of thermodynamics (e.g., through course work) and a general background in physics, chemistry, and material science.
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Work well in a team environment and possess good communication skills.
• 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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