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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Data Scientist
Location: Calgary
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: IT & Shared Services
Experience: 3 years
Introduction Brunel is currently seeking a Full Stack Data Scientist for a leading Chemical Manufacturing client in Calgary, Alberta. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Digital Factory team that is driving digitalization efforts across key value streams, including Integrated Value Chain, Reliability, Maintenance & Turnaround, and Quality & Commercial Excellence. In this role, you will develop and deploy advanced analytics solutions that optimize decision-making and enhance operational performance. From predictive maintenance and rail optimization to digital manufacturing and GenAI-driven knowledge management, you will work on a variety of impactful initiatives that shape the future of the industry. If you thrive in an agile, fast-paced environment and have a strong foundation in Python, machine learning, and cloud-based analytics, this is your chance to contribute to a cutting-edge digital transformation. Responsibilities Solution Development Translate business requirements into technical hypotheses and execute proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives Develop and refine advanced analytics models, including forecasting, optimization, and GenAI Deploy scalable, production-ready solutions on Databricks Apply software engineering best practices, including version control and robust documentation Monitor and maintain production data science solutions, ensuring performance and reliability Address issues such as model drift and data pipeline failures Act as the primary interface between IT and the digital factory team to address sustainment needs Collaborate with technical and product teams to define requirements and deploy solutions Present clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical audiences Translate complex data science outputs into business recommendations Requirements Bachelor's, MSc, or PhD in engineering, computer science, or related fields (chemical or mechanical engineering preferred) Proficiency in Python and related data science libraries Strong foundation in data science, including machine learning, large language models, optimization, and statistics 2-6 years of practical experience in data science solution development Experience in the full data science lifecycle from PoC to deployment Familiarity with cloud platforms and tools for scalable deployments (Databricks, MLflow, Apache Spark) Expertise in monitoring and maintaining production systems, resolving model drift, and improving performance monitoring Proficiency in version control tools and best practices (Git, branching, merging) Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in tackling ambiguous challenges Effective communication skills to present findings to diverse stakeholders Experience working in agile environments and managing workloads within sprints
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
Sales Operations Coordinator
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Marketing & Sales
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Collaborate with the sales, marketing and forecasting teams to manage the operations related to the sales incentive programs (calculation, analysis, adjustments, reports, payouts) Collaborate with the sales leads to keep the Sales Reps Performance Ranking up to date Validate reports like Sales Validation Report, Eligibility Validation Report which enhances the robustness and accuracy of the process Extract and validate the reps lists for the processing of the incentive payouts based on their performance Collaborate with The Sales Insight Manager, Data Scientist, Sales and Marketing leads to determine how to best optimize the HCPs target lists Coordinate the end-to-end process and all efforts related to the updating of customer targeting lists (list extract, refresh, validation, upload) across all BUs each semester Identify areas of improvement in the processes, individual performance, and team dynamics through process analysis. Support the logistics related to Sales Force redesign and optimization (alignment of reps to district
Materials Engineering Specialist
Location: Fort McMurray
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
Support Production Units in managing threats by endorsing Materials Engineer assessment on applicable damage mechanisms, likelihood of failure, metallurgical controls needed for successful repairs, repair/replacement decisions, risk mitigation support through advanced analysis and knowledge/experience sharing as required Provide Metallurgical expertise for critical repairs (for Reactors, HP-High Pressure Separators, SMRs-Steam Methane Reformers, PSA-Pressure Swing Adsorbers), Hot tap welding on live piping and equipment etc. Support Management of Equipment Strategies/RBI by acting as a Cold Eye reviewer for Equipment Strategies with highlighted risks / Risk Rank I & II. Provide metallurgical expertise to Equipment Strategy/RBI team for high-risk items Support the PU through review of identified risk and mitigation measures Act as an expert for metallurgical aspects of failures, investigations, material selection and welding Provide oversight for the work outsourced to 3rd party contractors and ensure technical deliverables meet company requirements Involvement in identified risk scenarios to drive technical decisions related to Materials Engineering Oversee assessment of Materials Engineering / corrosion related IOWs - selection, exceedance, and mitigation Provide specialized Materials engineering support to TA organization and outages Participate in Joint Industry Project (JIP), external technical committees and conferences as needed Mentor Materials Engineers on the team on material selection, welding, repair methodology, failure analysis and metallurgical assessment Develop and deliver technical mentoring sessions and knowledge sharing Lead Targeted Knowledge Transfer (TKT) sessions as required to develop advanced engineering analysis skills Act as the Technical Authority for Metallurgical Engineering aspects and authorize TDNs (as per OEMS - Technical Authority) Custodian of special metallurgical procedures followed at the site (for e.g. Weldability Procedure, Solution Annealing Procedure) Provide Metallurgical Engineering support for Project Initiatives #BRUCAD
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.
Safety Manager
Location: Canada
Branche: Mining
Expertise: HSEQ
Experience: 5 years
We have a current opportunity for a Safety Manager on a permanent basis. The position will be based in Evansville. For further information about this position please apply.
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. .
Pharmacovigilance Specialist
Location: Quebec or Ontario
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Analyze and process adverse events and safety reports with utmost quality and timeliness in accordance with Global and Local Pharmacovigilance procedures. Collect, pursue follow-up information to complete quality adverse event reports and transmit all local adverse events to Global Pharmacovigilance. Evaluate domestic and foreign ICSRs (marketed and non-marketed drugs) for submission to Health Canada according to Canadian regulations and within prescribed timelines. Submit the Canadian reportable adverse reactions to Health Canada according to their regulations and guidance's. Respond to queries and requests from Global Pharmacovigilance. Run monthly submissions compliance report and communicate with team members. Organize and ensure maintenance of the electronic filing and archiving system according to corporate and Canadian requirements. Document and update case information into the global safety database. Interact with other functional areas/departments to process adverse events efficiently & reliably. Collaborate in developing and maintaining the local Pharmacovigilance SOPs and procedures. Update the list of all Canadian drug licensing status and renewals, in conjunction with Regulatory Affairs. Participate in training of PV Associate on their assigned activities. Support associate with inbound and outbound case management activities as needed and as per corporate and local requirements and timelines. Provide overall support to the PV on all team activities. Maintain current knowledge of all relevant local Pharmacovigilance regulations in regard to drug, natural health and cosmetics products. Coordinate responses to questions and requests from Regulatory Authorities.
Documentation Specialist
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 1 years
Responsibilities Organize, maintain, and manage electronic regulatory documents including applications, submissions, dossiers, and correspondence, on shared directories and other electronic platform, Support regulatory project leaders to prepare administrative M1 documents for various typeds of Health Canada regulatory submissions (NDS, SNDS, Response to Clarifaxes etc.) efficiently and accurately in accordance with current Health Canada Guidelines and Corporate Guidance. Overview and maintain regulatory shared mailbox by facilitating effective communication and coordinating correspondence to internal stakeholders. Maintain accurate records of regulatory documents and submissions by upload regulatory dossiers and supportive information into corporate internal database and platform. Act as a backup to the regulatory Regulatory Coordinator to provide operational support as needed. Collaborate with regulatory affairs professionals, subject matter experts, and cross-functional local and global teams to gather necessary documentation and information for regulatory submissions and pharmacovigilance related safety reports. Participate in any ad-hoc or special regulatory projects as needed.
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.
