Research Officer - Modular Off-Site Construction & Automation

Tenure

Continuing

English

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of onsite and telework). Indications exist that Indigenous candidates may receive exceptions to work arrangements. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required.

The National Research Council (NRC) is implementing the “Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale” (NRC Platform) to accelerate and scale up new technologies that help transition Canada’s construction sector toward decarbonization and to meet 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon reduction targets. The Platform consists of three integrated programs. The Digitalization and Productivity Challenge Program ($70M) focuses on digitalised, automated construction and off‑site manufacturing methodologies that improve productivity, reduce time and cost, and accelerate low‑carbon solutions.

The primary responsibility of the Research Officer (RO) is to support NRC’s Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector. This includes:

• Conducting world‑class research on Modular Off‑Site Construction (MOC) and construction automation.
• Developing proposals for new research initiatives and managing projects from conception to completion.
• Collaborating with technical experts, industry partners, and stakeholders to communicate research plans and results.
• Supporting the enhancement of research facilities and contributing to the publication of findings.

• PhD in Civil, Construction or Architectural Engineering with emphasis on Modular Off‑Site Construction (MOC) or Construction Automation.
• PhD in a related field combined with significant experience in MOC consulting or research is also considered.
• Additional education in construction automation, life‑cycle environmental or cost assessment is an asset.

• Extensive research experience on MOC demonstrating benefits over conventional construction.
• Experience with MOC private‑sector organizations, product knowledge, and design‑build or IPD delivery.
• Full‑spectrum research activity: research needs identification, proposal writing, project management, stakeholder interaction, data production, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in construction automation, including automated collision avoidance and manufacturing technologies, is an asset.
• Experience in comparative analysis of MOC vs conventional construction is an asset.

Reliability status verification is required, involving background checks over five years.

• Apply knowledge to research and technology development projects.
• Lead or participate in research project planning, scheduling, costing, proposal development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Advanced knowledge of MOC processes, methodologies, and productivity enhancements.
• Knowledge of construction automation and design‑for‑manufacturing/assembly (DfMA) and design‑for‑deconstruction/disassembly (DfD) is an asset.
• Knowledge of multiple MOC practices (open/closed panels, mass timber, precast).
• Knowledge of MOC for retrofit solutions is an asset.

• Research – Creative Thinking (Level
  2)
• Research – Communication (Level
  2)
• Research – Partnering (Level
  2)
• Research – Teamwork (Level
  2)
• Research – Results Orientation (Level
  2)

This Research Officer position is classified in the Research Officer (RO) group. Salary ranges from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, based on experience, outcomes, and impact. Salary determination will consider the candidate’s experience relative to the level.

NRC employees receive a comprehensive benefits package: pension plan, health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, and supports to enhance well‑being.