2025 Summer Student - Radiation Biology - Molecular 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 an enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate student with a strong passion in life sciences who is interested in participating in an exciting research study exploring the effects of radiation on different cell types with a special focus on the cell cycle pathway.

Cell cycle pathway is intricately linked with cellular responses to radiation. Molecular mechanisms of cellular responses to high doses of radiation have been extensively studied in the past decades; however, the effects of low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on the cell cycle remain elusive. For this research, we aim to explore how low dose radiation (LDR) modulates cell cycle regulatory proteins and checkpoints in different cell types - from cancerous cells to normal cells and stem cells. This project will greatly contribute to assessing the risks and benefits of LDR in humans and pave the way for future research determining the effects of Targeted alpha therapy on cell cycle regulation. The successful candidate will be involved in experiments such as measuring the effects of radiation in in vitro systems, culturing of mouse or tumor cell lines, and extraction of RNA/protein. Other conventional methods (western blot, fluorescent microscopy, CRISPR) may also be part of this project. Students also take part in reviewing literature and writing scientific reports. Results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

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: 2
Duration: 4 months (May-August)
Field of Study: Any biology-related field (e.g. Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, immunology etc)
Year of study: 2nd, 3rd ,4th year of studies

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.
• Manual labor, such as cleaning and labeling laboratory equipment.
• Preparing of chemical solutions and laboratory reagents.
• Attending staff meetings and training courses when required.
• Handling reagents that may be chemical or biological hazards, according to proper safe laboratory practice.
• Handling of mouse biological samples.
• Physical demands include the ability to remain in seated or standing positions for long periods of time for routine pipetting at the lab bench, computer desktops or microscopes.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for:

• Education
  • Completed a minimum of two years of university and must be returning to university, either at undergraduate or graduate level, in a biology related field.
• Experience
  • Previous work experience in a biology lab setting is preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • General knowledge of chemical solution preparation.
  • Theoretical knowledge of the biology of the cell.
  • Theoretical knowledge of cell and molecular biology and biochemical methods mentioned above (some or all; hand-on experience will be an asset).
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills and effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to quickly learn aseptic human and/or mouse cell culture technique.
  • Demonstrated the ability to work as an effective team member and to respond to challenging schedule demands (overtime or flexible work schedules may occasionally be required).
  • The successful candidate should not have any allergies to rodents as there will be regular contact with them as part of this position.
• 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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