What is the role of an R&D scientist?
Research and development (R&D) scientists play a central role in driving innovation and advancing scientific knowledge within their respective fields, including in (bio-)technology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, materials science and more.
They are responsible for spearheading research initiatives, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to push the boundaries of scientific understanding. Their work is instrumental in developing new technologies, products, and solutions while upholding rigorous scientific standards and ethical principles.
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Project Manager
Location: Montréal
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Plan and execute the project according to Boccard Project Management System and internal best practices in place Accountable for delivering the project On Time, On Spec, and On Budget Track Project performance and meet budgetary objectives until project closure. Manage project budgets and report estimated versus actual costs, against physical progress. Analyze and explain technical and budgetary variances Carry out project closeout, prepare project postmortem and report final project KPIs Play an active role in maintaining the good relationship between the company and the client Liaison with all project stakeholders throughout project lifecycle and main point of contact for customer on project related communication Prepare quotations, draft proposals, and support technical alignments Execute and follow requests for modification to orders in compliance with contractual agreement and per internal rules Prepare and manage staffing plans - Identify the need for internal and external resources Manage the project team, organize and lead internal meetings. Organize and conduct project meetings (Kick Off Meeting, Weekly, Fortnightly, etc.) throughout lifecycle of project Apply standard Engineering practices to complete and/or review calculations, spreadsheets, drawings, piping layouts, and functional descriptions. Plan and coordinate with various departments the completion of tasks / milestones: to be delivered on time and on spec: design review, P&ID, 3D, highlighted P&IDs Manage and validate the technical calculations, specifications Work closely with the Supply Chain department: Plan the Supply Chain Kick Off meeting and comply with internal purchase order rules of engagements Write and validate reception protocols and approve installations Coordinate shop fabrication and onsite installation on assigned projects (may oversee equipment installation as necessary) Organize and facilitate acceptance tests (Simulations, FAT, SAT, Qualifications) Schedule and supervise the start-up Document project handover and execute Provisional and Final Acceptance certificates Prepare and provide project status reports to upper management / direct supervisor
Project Manager II
Location: Montreal
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Plan and execute the project according to Boccard Project Management System and internal best practices in place Accountable for delivering the project On Time, On Spec, and On Budget Track Project performance and meet budgetary objectives until project closure. Manage project budgets and report estimated versus actual costs, against physical progress. Analyze and explain technical and budgetary variances Carry out project closeout, prepare project postmortem and report final project KPIs Play an active role in maintaining the good relationship between the company and the client Liaison with all project stakeholders throughout project lifecycle and main point of contact for customer on project related communication Prepare quotations, draft proposals, and support technical alignments Execute and follow requests for modification to orders in compliance with contractual agreement and per internal rules Prepare and manage staffing plans - Identify the need for internal and external resources Manage the project team, organize and lead internal meetings. Organize and conduct project meetings (Kick Off Meeting, Weekly, Fortnightly, etc.) throughout lifecycle of project Apply standard Engineering practices to complete and/or review calculations, spreadsheets, drawings, piping layouts, and functional descriptions. Plan and coordinate with various departments the completion of tasks / milestones: to be delivered on time and on spec: design review, P&ID, 3D, highlighted P&IDs Manage and validate the technical calculations, specifications Work closely with the Supply Chain department: Plan the Supply Chain Kick Off meeting and comply with internal purchase order rules of engagements Write and validate reception protocols and approve installations Coordinate shop fabrication and onsite installation on assigned projects (may oversee equipment installation as necessary) Organize and facilitate acceptance tests (Simulations, FAT, SAT, Qualifications) Schedule and supervise the start-up Document project handover and execute Provisional and Final Acceptance certificates Prepare and provide project status reports to upper management / direct supervisor
Clinical Director - AI
Location: North York
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 5 years
The ideal candidate is skilled in extending Large Language Models for diverse applications, handling engineering and scaling challenges in large organizations, and has a strong understanding of both biology and underlying AI algorithms. Passion for using AI to revolutionize biomedical research and unlock scientific mysteries is key to success in this role. Lead a team of AI/ML and software engineers to evaluate, develop, extend and apply advance ML/AI methods for Clinical Trial design, analysis and optimization. Develop, implement, test and refine advanced AI/ML methods for the processing, analysis, modeling integration and visualization of large-scale biomedical data including text, imaging, and omics data. Use AI and ML methods for knowledge extraction from text and other structured data and for integrating this data with other types of structure and unstructured data using multi-modal genAI methods. Be in close contact with our clinical teams to discuss requirements, possible solutions and ways to integrate the proposed AI/ML methods to improve clinical trial design and execution. Work closely with the leading generative AI companies (our vendors) to make sure our products are state of the art and up to date. Work with developers, engineers, and ML Operations to deliver AI/ML solutions to product teams.
Plant / Process Operator
Location: Cold Lake
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
We have a current opportunity for a Plant Operator III on a contract basis. The position will be based in Cold Lake. For further information about this position please apply. As an integral team member, the incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless coordination of operations, safety, and environmental protocols within the designated area. Collaborating closely with the Control Room Technician (CRT) and fellow Operations Technicians, the individual will contribute to the overarching goal of maintaining a secure, efficient, and environmentally conscious work environment. Responsibilities: Liaise with CRT and Operations Technicians to comprehend job safety requirements, aligning activities with safety, health, environmental, Operations Integrity Management System (OIMS), and security standards. Provide support to CRT/Ops Supervisor in overseeing area activities, ensuring a cohesive and safe operational framework. Work collaboratively within a crew to manage activities related to the safe and efficient operation of plant units and sulfur recovery processes. Conduct surveillance of equipment to ensure optimal functionality and identify potential issues. Collaborate with Contractor personnel to establish and maintain a safe work environment. Participate in Operations Emergency Response activities for the designated area. Coordinate with the Systems Completion team during start-up and commissioning processes. Review work packages for planned maintenance activities, ensuring adherence to isolation requirements and the preparation of equipment for safe work. Endorse Work Permits as the Area Operator (AO) and Isolating Authority (IA) when required. Foster teamwork between Maintenance and Operations groups to enhance overall efficiency. Prioritize work activities to maximize effectiveness and complement the efforts of other work groups. Facilitate effective communication between areas to address issues promptly. Maintain high standards of housekeeping in the allocated area. Keep a daily log and shift changeover notes. Perform physical tasks safely, including moving chemicals, lifting, and climbing as required. Conduct minor maintenance on equipment to ensure operational integrity. Implement process changes to maintain quality control within accepted standards
Bilingual Medical Information Specialist
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 2 years
Support MICC within assigned therapeutic Ensure quality of the information provided to our customers by supporting and monitoring MICC external supplier who is providing just in time evidence- based information and scientific expertise on the company's products. Provide guidance to MICC external supplier in a timely fashion on day-to-day requests within assigned therapeutic areas. This includes scientific response documents for verbal and written frequently asked questions, as well as response to ad hoc enquiries. Handle escalated Provide support to MICC external supplier for primary intake of adverse events and product complaints, in collaboration with Pharmacovigilance and Quality Assurance teams. Perform quality control of MICC external Provide regular feedback/training to MICC external supplier to optimize Medical Information services. Develop and maintain Canadian product scientific response documents: Contribute to the development, review and update of scientific response documents such as FAQs/Q&As, letters and technical sheets for use in verbal and written responses. Contribute to literature Maintain strong relations with Canadian and Global Medical Information teams to optimize sharing of product information. Ensure Medical Information materials are compliant with Canadian and Global Medical Information good scientific practices. Contribute to product launch readiness within the assigned therapeutic Contribute to optimization of Global Medical Information Assess value of scientific response documents for access through Medical Information self-serve web portal. Collaborate with internal Participate in the development of specific technical/medical responses or analysis to specific situations such as product discontinuation, media attention, crisis situations and responses to Health Canada or other organizations within the assigned therapeutic areas. Analyze and share customer insights with commercial and field teams to meet customer needs. Deliver training on Medical Information services and processes for commercial, field teams and patient support program suppliers.
Plant Operator
Location: Cold Lake
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 1 years
We are partnered with one of Canada's largest oil and gas producers, seeking a Plant Operator to support their operations in the Cold Lake area. This is a 6 month contract to start, on a 7x7 rotation with camp and transportation from Calgary and Edmonton provided. Responsibilities: Ensure the maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment in the assigned area to maximize performance and achieve production targets in alignment with facility standards. Conduct condition monitoring, including sampling and testing, as per area-specific duties, and take appropriate action based on the documented results. Perform routine operational checks and record operator activities electronically during each shift. Provide support and guidance to new employees, including on-the-job training, mentoring, and assessments when necessary. Assist in the maintenance schedule by preparing equipment for planned tasks, following the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure. Carry out walkarounds, engage in informal LOTO audits, and participate in HSE safety assessments. Perform housekeeping duties, document actions, and take corrective measures as needed; ensure smooth shift transitions by conducting handover meetings with the outgoing and incoming Plant Operators.
Principal - Maintenance Reliability Data Specialist
Location: Saskatoon
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
Introduction Brunel is recruiting for a highly skilled Principal - Maintenance Master Data (Electrical) to join a leading organization's Maintenance Readiness team. This role is critical in developing mining and processing equipment hierarchies (TOS) to support operational excellence and reliability analysis requirements. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise in electrical systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment with global standards and operational value drivers. Responsibilities Define the battery limits of electrical systems by interpreting engineering artifacts such as P&IDs, electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, data sheets, and general arrangement drawings. Develop high-quality asset hierarchies for electrical systems, ensuring compliance with organizational standards. Collaborate with Maintenance Readiness team members and stakeholders to deliver aligned and timely deliverables. Work closely with reliability engineers to ensure Failure Mode Effect Criticality Analysis (FMECA) studies are integrated into asset hierarchies for effective maintenance planning, scheduling, and reliability analysis. Govern TOS templates and perform QA/QC processes to ensure data accuracy and completeness for system uploads. Establish and maintain a pipeline for TOS uploads in collaboration with the Master Data integration team. Develop, optimize, and govern master data processes for electrical systems, ensuring consistency and long-term value across assets. Identify and solve complex problems by evaluating multiple solutions and implementing structured approaches. Maintain and update TOS development procedures to guide hierarchy development rules and standards. Ensure safety, customer value, and efficiency by meeting operational and project objectives. Requirements Degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent qualification. Extensive experience in maintenance master data development within large-scale industrial environments. Proven ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and other engineering documentation. Strong knowledge of asset hierarchy development and work management processes. Expertise in RCM and FMECA methodologies and their practical application in maintenance strategies. Proficiency in SAP master data management and ISO 14224 standards. Experience in contractor management, budgeting, and cost control in the energy, resources, or construction industries. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and work effectively in a collaborative environment. Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Mechanical Product Designer
Location: Dorval
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 4 years
Responsibilities Produce cost-efficient designs of the company's commercial equipment and their related accessories with minimal supervision; Be responsible for material and fastener selections, as required by designs, to ensure product reliability, safety and longevity; Produce fabrication drawings of professional quality (sound integrity, free of errors) in accordance to current ASME Y14.5-2009 standard including GD&T practices; Produce support documentation such as Bills Of Materials, Service Drawings, Electrical Schematics, etc.; Execute part of the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process (ECO Form, design Investigation, CAD/Drawings, Epicor (ERP), etc.); Contribute creatively to the company's design efforts and drawing practices. .
Automation Engineer
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, and other control systems. Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. Perform regular calibration of sensors, instruments, and automated equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Modify/optimize control programs to enhance process performance and production quality. Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, calibrations, and software changes. Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA, and other regulatory requirements by adhering to established protocols and guidelines for pharmaceutical industry standards. Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, enhance system reliability, and reduce operational costs. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement upgrades and modifications to systems. Work closely with production, quality assurance, and engineering teams to support manufacturing objectives. Provide training and guidance to operators and junior technicians on the proper use of automated systems. Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation systems. Experience with control system architecture, including SCADA, HMI interfaces, and networks Proficient in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and software components Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and servo systems. Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics. Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify and resolve system inefficiencies. Proactive mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage tasks in a high-pressure situations
What are the required skills for an R&D scientist?
To excel as an R&D scientist, individuals must possess exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, which are indispensable for experimental design, data interpretation, and drawing insightful conclusions. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and disseminating research findings to peers and the wider audience.
Additionally, R&D scientists should demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques pertinent to their specific domain, such as molecular biology, chemistry, or engineering. Staying current with advancements in their field and upholding the highest ethical standards in research and experimentation are also imperative.
Where do R&D scientists work?
R&D scientists find rewarding career opportunities in diverse settings, including research institutions, industrial companies, pharmaceutical firms, and government research agencies. They frequently collaborate with experts from various disciplines, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications.
Common R&D scientist responsibilities
- Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal functionality, and manage lab material inventories;
- Plan and execute laboratory experiments and research projects to explore scientific phenomena and potential innovations;
- Conceptualize and validate experimental protocols, including the development of novel methodologies;
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate research findings into practical applications and solutions;
- Analyze complex data sets, extract meaningful insights, and provide recommendations based on research outcomes;
- Author research papers, technical reports, and scholarly articles for dissemination in scientific journals;
- Stay abreast of cutting-edge developments in their field and incorporate emerging technologies into research endeavors;
- Maintain meticulous records of experiments, protocols, and findings, adhering to industry-standard practices;
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards in research, ensuring the responsible conduct of experiments;
- Present research findings at conferences and contribute to knowledge exchange within the scientific community;
- Drive the development of innovative technologies and products that advance scientific understanding and benefit society.
Qualifications for R&D scientists
To pursue a career as an R&D scientist, candidates typically hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related discipline. Many R&D scientists also pursue advanced degrees such as Master's or Ph.D. for research-intensive roles.
Other important qualifications include:
- Expertise in laboratory techniques and research methodologies;
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking abilities;
- Effective written and verbal communication skills;
- A strong foundation in ethical principles governing research and experimentation;
- A willingness to adapt and embrace new tech and methodologies;
- Collaborative aptitude, enabling effective teamwork in interdisciplinary research environments;
- A steadfast commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and driving innovation for the betterment of society.
