NRC Canada Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular Tools for Harmful Algae and Toxin Detection, Halifax

National Research Council Canada (NRC) is accepting applications for the NRC Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship in molecular tools for harmful algae and toxin detection in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field. Last date: 7 January 2027, 23:59 Eastern Time.

NRC Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship Details

Company: National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular Tools for Harmful Algae and Toxin Detection

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Organizational Unit: Metrology Research Centre

Tenure: Term, 2 years (full-time on site)

Project: Innovating algal biotoxin surveillance through digital immuno-polymerase chain reaction

Job Description

In this NRC Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship, the fellow will establish droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays targeting toxin biosynthesis genes of harmful algal and cyanobacterial species, then develop immuno-ddPCR methods combining antibody-based toxin recognition with ddPCR for direct trace-level toxin measurement in marine and freshwater samples; lead method optimisation and validation and explore multiplexed detection.

Key Responsibilities

  • Establish droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays targeting toxin biosynthesis genes of harmful algal and cyanobacterial species.
  • Develop immuno-ddPCR methods combining antibody-based toxin recognition with ddPCR for direct trace-level toxin measurement in marine and freshwater samples.
  • Lead method optimisation and validation and explore multiplexed detection.

Eligibility Criteria

Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field

Who is eligible: candidates who obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (on or after 1 July 2024), or who expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment. Exceptions may be considered for personal or family leave.

Preference may be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Reliability Status: Required

Required Skills

Experience sought:

  • DNA/RNA extraction
  • PCR including qPCR/ddPCR and primer design
  • Full research cycle from experimental design to publication

Experience with harmful algae/cyanobacteria, immunoassay development and bioinformatics/coding is sought.

Language: English

Salary

Fellows are appointed to NRC staff on a 2-year term (second year contingent on progress) with Research Officer salary and benefits; the current annual PhD recruiting rate is CAD 83,985, plus a travel fund.

Documents Required

  1. Resume
  2. Statement of interest in the project
  3. Other documents listed on the job page

How to Apply for the NRC Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship

Apply online on the NRC Canada recruitment portal (job page linked) with a resume, a statement of interest in the project and the other documents listed on the job page.

Additional Information

Start date: Appointments can start between March and December 2027.

About the NRC Postdoctoral Fellowship program: Fellows get access to world-class facilities and work with multidisciplinary teams on projects of critical importance to Canada.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

For the NRC Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship, the last date to apply is 7 January 2027, 23:59 Eastern Time, through the NRC Canada recruitment portal.