2025 National Research Council (NRC) Canada Luise and Gerhard Herzberg Postdoctoral Fellowship

Eligibility

The National Research Council Canada Luise and Gerhard Herzberg Fellowship are looking for a dynamic Postdoctoral Fellow, who identifies as a woman, to work within one of our 12 research centres located across Canada for a two-year term. Interested candidates from any science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) discipline can submit their fellowship research project for consideration. The research project must align with one of NRC’s research centres.

The research centres span a broad spectrum of activities and enable the researchers and partners to advance research and accelerate commercial development that leads to scientific breakthroughs and innovation. Information on the NRC research centres and their research interests is available here: Research centres - National Research Council Canada 

The chosen candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Candidates should have obtained a PhD within the past three years (PhD received on or after October 2021) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment. 
 
* Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.  

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience in publishing international calibre research papers in the refereed scientific or engineering literature.
• Experience in working in a team work environment.
• Demonstrated research excellence.

Summary

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, their world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day they explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Their supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. They value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff through the Postdoctoral Fellowships Program at the AsRO level, which is an early-career-level position with a salary range of $82,338 to $114,354.  
 
The Postdoctoral Fellowships Program is unique to NRC. It falls under the RO/RCO classification system, which uses a person-based classification system rather than the more common task-based classification system.
 
NOTE: Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  
 
As a guide, the current annual Ph.D. recruiting rate is $82,338.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

The online application can be found here

Language Requirements

Various Linguistic Profiles 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Ability to conceive, organize, conduct, and publish independent research of international calibre. 
• Expert knowledge in one or more science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) discipline.
• Expert ability to contribute to the planning and execution of research projects.
• Advanced knowledge of the exploitation of research data, including proven ability to analyze or enable the interpretation of such data.

Behavioural Competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 1)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research