MSc Student in Chemical Engineering, Research Affiliate - Research Affiliate Program

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

Duties

Natural Resources Canada is developing a Critical Minerals Strategy for Canada, that will help advance the development of critical mineral resources and value chains to power the green and digital economy at home and around the world. Graphite is a critical mineral with many applications. Demand for graphite is expected to grow drastically as it is a major component of batteries. Canada could become a world leader in graphite production but must overcome challenges with its purification.

Natural Resources Canada is conducting R&D related to graphite purification using an electro-thermal fluidized bed. In the first phase of work, the student will develop models that describe the movement of graphite particles in a fluidized bed, which is particularly challenging with non-spherical particles and irregular bed geometry. This work would be supported by hydrodynamics experiments that the student will perform with an ambient temperature fluidized bed. In the second phase of work, the student will develop models that describe electrical charge transfer in a fluidized bed of electrically conductive flakes. This work would be supported by electrical current measurements that the student will perform with an ambient temperature fluidized bed.

The student will benefit from expertise and facilities at the University of Ottawa (https://www2.uottawa.ca/en) and CanmetENERGY in Ottawa (https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/offices-labs/canmet/ottawa-research-centre/5753)

Supervisory team:
Prof. Arturo Macchi, University of Ottawa
Prof. Jan Haelssig, University of Ottawa
Dr. Marc Duchesne, CanmetENERGY in Ottawa

Work environment

CanmetENERGY is Canada’s leading research and technology organization in the field of clean energy. Its expertise, projects and unique facilities are driving solutions for cleaner production and use of energy resources. CanmetENERGY-Ottawa engages in research and development in the areas of energy efficiency, clean fossil fuels and renewable and alternative energy sources, in the transition to a low-carbon future. Our goal is to ensure that Canada is at the leading edge of clean energy technology development and greenhouse gas reduction. We are one of four national laboratories under the Minister of Natural Resources Canada dedicated to research, development and deployment of energy science and technology solutions for Canada.

CanmetENERGY-Ottawa’s mission supports the Minister’s mandate by leading the development of energy S&T solutions for the environmental and economic benefit of Canadians. We foster a broad range of successful research partnerships with manufacturers, academia, planners, builders, and all levels of government, by working collaboratively to identify, test and innovate products and processes beneficial to the lives of Canadians.

At CanmetENERGY-Ottawa, we strive for organizational excellence and demonstrate this commitment through our Gold Level Certification in the Organizational Excellence Standard provided by Excellence Canada. CanmetENERGY-Ottawa also supports its employees in achieving a work-life balance that allows them to continue to be successful in their careers while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In 2021, CanmetENERGY Ottawa was named a Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month® Great Employer by Excellence Canada and Canada Life, for the third year in a row (2019 & 2020 & 2021)!
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/12/06/2346789/0/en/Excellence-Canada-announces-the-2021-Canada-s-Healthy-Workplace-Month-Great-Employers.html
This position is located at the Bells Corners Complex, situated within Ottawa’s Greenbelt, yet close to restaurants and shopping within the area of Bells Corners. Situated between Nepean and Kanata, we are close to the Bayshore bus station as well as the Eagleson/Terry Fox Park and Ride with bus access to the Complex. This location also features trails and walking paths as well as workplace wellness programs including running, fitness and mental health initiatives to boost employee morale and work/life balance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLzA6PP1Ln0

Everyone is welcome! Natural Resources Canada is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce with a diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds that represents Canada now and in the future. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

Intent of the process

The intent is to staff one part-time student position for a two-year period.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "Maximum 400 words outlining your relevant experience researching fluidized bed technologies."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

-Currently enrolled or willing and able to enroll at the University of Ottawa in a Master's program with specialization relevant to the duties of the position.
-Completion of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering or a related field.

Degree equivalency

-Experience researching fluidized bed technologies

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

-Experience collecting electrical current data, such as voltage, with experimental equipment
-Experience maintaining and operating experimental equipment
-Experience in programming for scientific or engineering applications

-Knowledge of graphite purification processes

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Note: Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

-Willingness and ability to wear personal safety equipment

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

Natural Resources Canada is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity. We welcome applications from qualified people and encourage members of the designated groups (Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women) to apply and to self-identify.

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email for screening and assessment purposes. This will include communication of screening results and invitations to written tests and interviews. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate's responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our position(s). For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted

Preference

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.