Technical assistant Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Senior Technical Researcher

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment.

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers: Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process.

About the team

The Product Development Team (PDT) supports the Currency Department by providing timely, evidence‑based expertise on bank note technologies. The team evaluates bank note performance and production, monitors emerging threats and innovations, and recommends world‑class bank note configurations to ensure security, durability, and functionality.

What you will do

Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will work with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with PDT colleagues. You will provide specialized technical expertise to support bank note development, testing, and technology assessment.

• Key responsibilities include:
• Conducting technical analysis of genuine and counterfeit bank notes to assess security features, durability, and overall functionality
• Designing and executing chemical and physical tests, including durability and wear simulations, and maintaining test plans and standard operating procedures
• Performing hands‑on laboratory testing on bank notes, components, and counterfeits
• Operating advanced analytical and characterization tools (e.g., spectrometers, profilometers, SEM, XPS) and interpreting complex datasets
• Gathering intelligence and monitoring emerging technologies and counterfeit trends, and providing forward‑looking recommendations to internal stakeholders
• Leading selected internal projects and contributing to a consolidated portfolio view for PDT
• Producing high‑quality written reports and presentations for technical, non‑technical, and senior audiences
• Collaborating in a team‑based environment that values open discussion, critical review, and shared problem‑solving

What you need to succeed

You are a strong analytical thinker with a passion for applied research and hands-on experimentation.

You bring:

• Advanced critical thinking, experimental design, and root‑cause analysis skills
• Proven ability to synthesize complex, uncertain information and clearly articulate implications and recommendations
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, adaptable to diverse audiences
• Experience leveraging AI‑driven research tools or models to accelerate research or technology development

Nice-to-have

• Experience with piezo or tribo‑materials, surface engineering, or cleanroom environments
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Blender)
• Project management experience

Your education and experience
You have advanced training in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Physical Engineering, along with hands‑on experience in chemical processes and research or product development. This is demonstrated through postdoctoral training, a PhD with at least 3 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience in the field.

Innovative Mindset

We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things.

Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French. Although the position language requirement is English or French essential, we do encourage everyone to improve their second language proficiency for future career growth and to contribute towards fostering a bilingual environment.

What you need to know

• Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Secret
• Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.
• The official title for this position is “Senior Analyst ”

Hybrid Work Model

The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider.

• Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $111,051 to $130,649 (job grade 17)
• The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at 7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
• Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health, dental disability and life and/or accident insurance coverage that meets your needs
• Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
• Indexed, defined-benefit pension

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.