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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Senior Discovery Scientist

Location: Toronto

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 3 years

Responsibilities Develop and perform biochemical and/or cell-based assays to characterize the activity of early-stage ligands, such as ELISAs, cytotoxicity assays, or fluorogenic reporter assays. Passage and prepare mammalian cells to be used in assays. Develop methods to assess compound affinity, retention, and internalization of compounds. Support the generation of in vitro assay data for established projects. Interface with external vendors to support early discovery activities. Critically assess data and methods, adapting and adjusting procedures as necessary. In conjunction with managers, establish priorities and meet timelines for key experiments. Provide clear communication of scientific data to co-workers through internal presentations and written methods. Support preclinical and late-stage assets as necessary.

Bilingual Administrative Support Representative

Location: Montréal

Branche: Renewable Energy

Expertise: Communications & Distribution

Experience: 0 years

Responsibilities Provide effective and efficient administrative support for Real Estate team. Preparing and distributing documents Scheduling and coordinating meetings Assistance to internal customers - including redirecting phone/email inquiries to appropriate personnel. Minute taking as requested Assist in the development of reports/ presentations Format all reports/presentations using Siemens Energy branding guidelines. Create and maintain SharePoint site for Siemens Energy Real Estate - customer facing, internal to team Format/create/distribute Posters/emails as required using provided templates Provide admin support for tasks such as Fire Safety Plans, annual procedure reviews Provide order processing support for creating vendor's shopping carts/processing invoices Support Vendor management & Onboarding Travel Management / quality gate for expense report Ad hoc requests from Regional Headquarters

Mechanical Engineer in Training

Location: Peterborough

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Mechanical Engineering - Pressure Boundary & Analysis Peterborough, Ontario Introduction Brunel is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer (EIT) - Pressure Boundary & Analysis for a position based in Peterborough, Ontario. As a Mechanical Engineer (EIT), you will be responsible for the design and analysis of pressure-retaining systems and components for nuclear reactor applications. This includes developing concept and detailed designs, performing engineering calculations and stress analyses, preparing design reports and specifications, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. You will also contribute to overpressure protection assessments, provide technical documentation, and support manufacturing, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and operational activities. Responsibilities Provide execution of design/analysis/test/commissioning activities for complex mechanical equipment and systems throughout the entire product life cycle. Preparation or approval of design documentation (including technical documents, drawings and BOMs), technical specifications, development and test plans, and engineering quotations. 3D modelling for the purposes of conceptual design, and performing stress analysis Application of design for manufacturability/assembly (DFMA) techniques Provide technical support to CAD, Procurement, Manufacturing, Test, Quality and Commissioning and Service personnel. Participate in internal and external meetings, such as design reviews, preparing and presenting technical data. Utilize classical and modern (finite element analysis) stress calculation techniques to perform stress analysis for components, piping systems, supports, and vessels. Maintain working knowledge of the nuclear codes and standards applicable to the Canadian Nuclear environment. Key success factors are engineering and product excellence, effective design activity management, task/milestone completion on-time/on-budget, producing defect free designs, meeting your metrics, motivating a diverse team, managing and achieving results through influencing and setting of expectations/actions. Leading by example, assure compliance and adherence to processes (including internal Business Management System), industry codes and standards, quality systems, policies, and contractual requirements. Support process changes through process enhancement, and technology introduction to achieve world-class product development and product deployment. Support customer relationships and ensure market alignment. This position requires interaction with external customers, subcontractors, and cross-functional internal teams. May support proposal development and review including scope review, estimating as well as technical presentations to the customer. Learn to identify project risks, analyze solutions, and take decisive action to resolve issues and communicate these to the leadership team. Provide assurance of health and safety associated with the execution of all projects and activities. Requirements Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Working toward Professional Engineer (PEO) license. 3-5 years of design engineering experience in regulated industries (Nuclear, Aerospace, Mining, Oil & Gas, etc.). Experience supporting projects through the full EPC life cycle with limited supervision. Knowledge of systems design, requirements development, interface design, manufacturing, and testing. Familiarity with related disciplines: systems, I&C, software design, and manufacturing. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Flexibility to work remotely and travel for short-term site assignments. Desired Characteristics: Experience with 3D CAD software (preference for Inventor/Solidworks) and FEA software (ANSYS APDL & Workbench, Caesar II, PEPS, AutoPIPE). Experience in the CANDU Nuclear Industry. Familiarity with CSA Nuclear Codes and Standards. Familiarity with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes and Standards. Knowledge of process system, pressure vessels or pressure boundary component design

Senior Accountant

Location: Toronto

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 0 years

Senior Accountant Rotational - Permanent position - Northern Ontario Introduction Our client is a leading Canadian mining organization with a strong portfolio of producing and development-stage projects across North America. With a focus on safe, efficient, and sustainable operations, the company is dedicated to creating long-term value for stakeholders while fostering employee growth and professional development. As operations expand in Northern Ontario, we are seeking a Senior Accountant to join the finance team. This role plays a key part in financial planning and analysis, supporting operational decision-making, and ensuring accurate financial reporting in a dynamic and growth-oriented environment. Responsibilities Act as a safety leader by following and promoting all health and safety protocols. Lead the financial planning and analysis process, including quarterly forecasting and annual operating/capital budgets. Provide financial insights and conduct cost analyses to identify efficiencies, opportunities, and potential waste, including trend and variance analysis. Partner with department heads to support and mentor them on their financial performance against plans. Review, validate, and analyze financial reports while responding to queries in a timely manner. Assist in the development and refinement of departmental policies and procedures. Support annual audit processes by liaising with external and internal auditors. Contribute to ad-hoc financial and operational projects as required. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Commerce (CPA designation required). 5-7 years of experience in operational accounting or finance, ideally within the mining or heavy industrial sector. Proven experience preparing forecasts, budgets, and life-of-mine (LOM) or long-term financial models. Strong technical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook). Experience with ERP systems such as SAP considered a strong asset. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Senior Engineering Project Manager

Location: Vancouver

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 5 years

Senior Engineering Project Manager Vancouver (Office) & Arizona Site Term: 3 Years in Vancouver and then 2-3 years at site (Contract) Introduction Brunel is currently looking for an Engineering - Senior Project Manager responsible for the day-to-day leadership, management, and direction of both the detailed engineering and the engineering execution phases of a major mining and metallurgical process facilities project. Reporting to the Project Director and functionally to the Director of Engineering Management, the scope of this position includes all aspects of the project life cycle with a specified technology vendor, from early scoping and definition stages through detailed engineering and procurement phases, and finally to field erection and commissioning support. Responsibilities Review the development of the engineering work packages (EWPs) for all deliverables and time-based functions with technology provider. Review and analyze project requirements to establish tasks and subtasks and project timelines. Responsible for the scope, cost, schedule, safety, and quality associated with the project as influenced by the technology package engineering. Monitor the technical work performance and verify controls for tracking and reporting the advancement of engineering deliverables. Interfaces closely with site-based leadership, health and safety personnel and other internal organizations to ensure that work is executed in a manner consistent with the expectations of the operating property and in a safe and environmentally responsible manner Participate in design reviews, and execution planning discussions to ensure well-conceived and logical schedule development Leads evaluation, management and approval of changes to the work proposed by the technology provider and works to minimize impacts to cost and schedule Ensures that a comprehensive QA/QC is in place to monitor the quality of all engineering tasks and deliverables. Monitors work in progress and completed to ensure that the work is of a quality and character that meets the requirements of FMMC and the site operations team Participates in all project engineering meetings including progress review meetings (weekly, monthly), progress versus schedule (master, look-ahead, and specific) and works with project team, EP(CM) contractor, site operations team and others to resolve issues, and recover or compress schedule Manages the reforecast of contractor staffing needs using actual progress, work remaining to complete and estimates to complete Ensure the development of an achievable engineering schedule to meet project requirements using the EWPs. Provide input into the project monthly report with respect to design progress, cost and issues of concern and recommend changes if required to achieve overall objectives. Contribute to the development of the Project Execution Plan (PEP) together with the project leadership team (including procurement, project controls, construction, and commissioning), and allocate roles and responsibilities. Coordinate with Procurement, Construction and Commissioning personnel early in the design effort to obtain their input and conduct any necessary reviews. Regularly review and appraise the structure of the engineering project team in terms of its ability to meet short- and long-term objectives, and institute appropriate changes. Ensure that Engineering Company(s) Engineering Systems and 3D intelligent design environment is properly setup and being used. Involve specialist expertise from within FMMC or externally as necessary. Ensure engineering risk assessments and HAZOPs are carried out and all identified issues are addressed. Supervises project staff and contractors. Serves as expert on engineering management issues. Coordinate quality audit verifications to ensure compliance with all relevant engineering standards and procedures for all design activities. Instigate corrective actions as required. Minimum Qualifications Proven experience in Project and Engineering Management on projects with a value exceeding $500 million. Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, and minimum 15 years' experience with the practice, systems, processes and terminology of project management. Master's degree in engineering or related field and minimum 12 years' experience with the practice, systems, processes and terminology of project management. Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering, project controls, contract administration, procurement, expediting and materials management (logistics) Work involves frequent travel, international assignments, and relocation to the site of work Proficient in the use of computers and software in a business environment. An extensive technical knowledge of engineering systems, design, applications of engineering processes and materials, and engineering applications of current engineering technologies. General knowledge of industry, regulatory standards and design criteria in engineering disciplines. Ability to plan, coordinate and organize at an advanced level. Comprehensive knowledge of project planning, controls and understanding of multi-discipline interdependencies. Knowledge of drawing production and document control methodologies. Knowledge of progress assessment, measurement, and engineering control strategies. An extensive knowledge of administrative practices and strong communication skills across all levels including client representatives. Ability to manage relationships with key stakeholders involved in the project. A high degree of understanding of procurement and contracting, construction and commissioning methodologies. Ability to lead, motivate and inspire others, transfer expertise and provide a coaching role to others in terms of best practice. Ability to handle complex problem-solving tasks, applying appropriate analysis and consideration of high-level technical detail. Preferred Qualifications Prior EPCM experience preferred with design office management experience Registration as a Professional Engineer with a governing authority. Experience in mining operations (operation, engineering, maintenance) Proven experience in Project or Engineering Management on large industrial projects with a value exceeding $1 billion is an advantage. Productivity and Performance improvement experience with a workforce of several thousand people Experience with scheduling programs. Understanding engineering staffing requirements and forecasting Experience in setting up KPI's and tracking on a day-to-day basis Working as a team member (Client, EP, EPCM & Contractors) Mining Projects construction experience.

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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.

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