Physicist Position at Canadian Light Source – Join Our World-Class Research Team
Join Our Scientific Community
The Canadian Light Source is seeking a talented Physicist to join our world-class research facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This is an exceptional opportunity for qualified international candidates to contribute to groundbreaking scientific research in one of Canada’s premier research institutions. We offer a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work alongside leading scientists in your field.
About the Canadian Light Source
The Canadian Light Source is Canada’s national synchrotron research facility, located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon. As one of the largest science projects in Canadian history, we provide brilliant light to enable scientific research for academic institutions, government departments, and private companies. Our facility hosts hundreds of researchers from Canada and around the world, making it a vibrant hub of scientific discovery and innovation.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Physicist to join our dedicated team of researchers and technical staff. This permanent, full-time position offers an annual salary ranging from $96,844 to $131,024, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position requires 37.5 hours of work per week, with a standard daytime schedule. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects that have significant scientific and technological impact.
Key Responsibilities
The Physicist will be responsible for conducting advanced research using synchrotron light, developing experimental techniques, analyzing complex data, and contributing to scientific publications. The role includes designing and implementing experiments, maintaining and optimizing beamline instrumentation, collaborating with international research teams, and providing technical support to visiting scientists. The successful candidate will also contribute to the development of new methods and technologies for synchrotron-based research.
Research Opportunities
This position offers unparalleled opportunities to work with state-of-the-art synchrotron technology and contribute to research across multiple disciplines including materials science, environmental research, life sciences, and engineering. The Canadian Light Source supports research that addresses global challenges in health, environment, and technology, providing a meaningful impact on society while advancing scientific knowledge.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants for the Physicist position should hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Post-doctoral experience in synchrotron research, X-ray science, or beamline development would be considered a significant advantage. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in experimental physics, data analysis techniques, and scientific instrumentation. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams.
Technical Skills
The successful candidate should have a strong background in X-ray optics, detector systems, vacuum technology, and control systems programming. Experience with synchrotron beamline operations, data acquisition software, and scientific programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB is highly desirable. Familiarity with safety protocols for research facilities and beamtime proposal preparation would also be beneficial.
Language Requirements
While English is the primary working language at the Canadian Light Source, proficiency in English is required for all positions. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of French would be considered an asset, given Canada’s bilingual nature.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent. The annual salary range of $96,844 to $131,024 reflects the importance of this position and the value we place on scientific expertise. In addition to competitive salary, our benefits package includes dental plan, disability benefits, comprehensive health care plan, paramedical services coverage, vision care benefits, group insurance benefits, life insurance, pension plan, and registered retirement savings plan (RRSP).
Family-Friendly Benefits
Our commitment to supporting our employees extends to their families. We offer generous maternity and parental benefits to help balance work and family responsibilities. These benefits are designed to support our employees during important life transitions while maintaining their connection to our research community.
Transportation Support
To make commuting more convenient and affordable, we offer subsidised public transportation benefits. This not only helps reduce commuting costs for employees but also supports environmental sustainability initiatives. Saskatoon’s public transportation system provides good connectivity throughout the city, making it easy to reach our facility at 44 Innovation Blvd.
About Saskatoon
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan offers an exceptional quality of life for researchers and their families. Known as the ‘Paris of the Prairies,’ Saskatoon combines the amenities of a larger city with the friendliness of a smaller community. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, excellent educational institutions, beautiful river parks, and a growing technology sector. With a population of approximately 300,000, Saskatoon provides the perfect balance of career opportunities and quality living.
Cost of Living
Compared to major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Saskatoon offers a significantly more affordable cost of living. Housing costs are particularly reasonable, allowing researchers to purchase quality homes without the financial strain found in larger metropolitan areas. This affordability extends to other aspects of daily life, including groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
Climate and Lifestyle
Saskatoon experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The city offers numerous indoor and outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. Residents enjoy access to beautiful river valley trails, cross-country skiing in winter, numerous festivals and events, and a thriving food and arts scene. The University of Saskatchewan campus, adjacent to our facility, provides additional cultural and educational opportunities.
Relocation Support
We understand that relocating to a new country involves significant challenges and considerations. The Canadian Light Source is committed to supporting international candidates through the relocation process. While we cannot directly arrange work permits, our human resources team can provide guidance and support throughout the application process and connect you with resources for settling in Canada.
Immigration Information
Canada offers several immigration pathways for skilled workers, including the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs. Saskatchewan has specific immigration streams that may be particularly relevant to research professionals. Our HR team can provide information on these programs and connect you with immigration services that specialize in assisting research professionals relocating to Canada.
Settling in Saskatoon
Once you’ve secured your position, we offer support to help you and your family settle into life in Saskatoon. This includes assistance with finding housing, information about schools for children, connections to community groups and services, and guidance on Canadian cultural norms and workplace expectations. Our diverse community includes many immigrants who can share their experiences and offer support.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official channels as outlined below. We recommend including a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your research interests and relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references. The application should highlight your expertise in experimental physics, synchrotron research experience (if applicable), and your interest in contributing to the Canadian Light Source mission.
Who Can Apply
The Canadian Light Source welcomes applications from diverse candidates, including Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada. We also encourage applications from international candidates, with or without a valid Canadian work permit. All qualified candidates will be given fair consideration, regardless of their current immigration status.
Timeline and Next Steps
The position is available to start as soon as possible, and we will begin reviewing applications immediately. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, which may be conducted remotely for international candidates. The interview process will include technical discussions about research experience and an opportunity to learn more about the Canadian Light Source and our research programs.
Contact Information
For inquiries about this position, please contact our Human Resources department at careers@lightsource.ca or call (306) 657-3500. Our team is happy to answer questions about the position, the application process, or life working at the Canadian Light Source. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our research community.