Manager, Research and Collaboration

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Manager, Research and Collaboration

Fulltime – One (1) Position Available

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 30 Adelaide St, East

Reporting to the Director, Engineering, this position is responsible for leading and coordinating NWMO’s technical research programs, both internally and externally, with a primary focus on the multiple-barrier system and used fuel research and development activities that support the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) engineering program and safety case.

The position supports regulatory, public engagement, national and international industry, research organizations, committees, and university collaboration by coordinating research activities and joint collaboration opportunities. The role establishes and leads matrixed, multidisciplinary teams that leverage technical and broader organizational expertise to deliver research programs aligned with NWMO priorities.

The Manager provides guidance and leadership in the management of research and development activities related to engineered barrier systems and used fuel, including material properties and characterization, long-term material degradation such as corrosion and embrittlement, chemistry, microbiology, interactions between engineered components and the geosphere, and sealing system performance.

In addition, the role plays a key part in strengthening NWMO’s technical engagement efforts by working closely with engagement, communications, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure research outcomes are effectively communicated and aligned with organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure employee health and safety, support a strong safety culture and ensuring employee activities meet or exceed the health, safety and environment requirements as outlined in NWMO policies, procedures and standards.
• Responsible for coordinating NWMO’s technical research and development programs and associated management system. Specifically, ownership of the Research Program governance, chairing NWMO’s Technical Review Committee (internal), monitoring R&D activities across the organization (e.g., engineering, geoscience, safety, environment, Indigenous, etc.) by working with research initiative owners/directors/contract leads. Responsible for providing guidance and recommendations to leadership on R&D strategic program direction, and tracking key metrics such as journal/technical report output, highly qualified personnel (HQP) creation, external grants/funding status, program status, etc.
• Responsible for preparation and management of key regulatory/strategic documents to support the regulatory process and NWMO’s research strategy.
• Act as NWMO’s lead for coordinating and/or executing national and international R&D opportunities, such as international co-operation agreements, working committees, and joint co-funded R&D programs.
• Lead interface and relationship management with leadership at Canadian research organizations including universities, consortiums (e.g., University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), non-profits, and governmental organizations (e.g., Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)).
• As part of business planning, manage NWMO’s opportunities for external research and development funding, such as governmental grants and awards (e.g., Ontario Research Fund, NSERC, NRCan, etc.) and support Finance with documentation for tax incentives (e.g., Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)).
• Represent the NWMO and present the DGR program to technical, regulatory, and public audiences. Develop into international expert and authority on the full program with specific focus on the engineered barrier system and DGR safety features.
• Lead coordination with other NWMO technical and engagement/communications departments to support technical engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities, municipal communities, NWMO stakeholders, etc., including tours at NWMO’s Discovery and Demonstration facility.
• Working with Indigenous Relations and technical teams, strengthen and develop longer-term strategic program for incorporating Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge into western science R&D and the broader engineering design.
• Plan, develop, and manage work programs to support the advancement of science and applied technology for the development of a robust, implementable, cost-effective engineered barrier system (including used fuel container corrosion barrier and bentonite barrier) meeting design, operational and long-term performance requirements,
• Contribute to the development and documentation of case study reports and DGR safety reports.
• Provide input to on-going site investigation, impact, environmental, and safety assessments and engineering design to support development of licence-basis design and safety case reports.
• Identify contract requirements and lead the evaluation and selection of contractors, manage external contracts, monitor performance against work plans and schedules, and ensure deliverables are high quality.
• Review work performed by staff and external scientists and contractors.
• Manage staff to ensure that there are sufficient qualified resources to deliver the research and development program.
• Provide input to NWMO annual technical reports, business plans, quarterly reports and social media as required.
• Establish short- and long-term business plans to meet departmental objectives.  Develop and manage departmental budget.  Make business decisions that are financially responsible, justifiable and defensible in accordance with NWMO policies and procedures.
• Provide directions to department staff, establish clear roles and responsibilities and annual performance objectives, and provide regular performance feedback, coaching and training.
• Communicate regularly with all levels within the organization to understand and resolve competing priorities and obtain or provide agreed information.
• Develop plans, procedures and other documents that support governance; evaluate and improve business processes and procedures to enhance quality, efficiency and output.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience; however, those with lesser experience should not hesitate to apply.

• This position requires a graduate degree in engineering or science (MSc or PhD).
• The position requires over 8 years, up to and including 10 years of relevant subject matter experience material science, corrosion, chemistry, microbiology, engineered barrier performance, etc.).  Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of research and development relevant to a deep geological repository safety case.

The following skills and experience are considered assets:

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence others at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Effective project management skills.
• An understanding of both technical and social aspects of the DGR Program.

This is a management level position requiring regular extended hours and some travel. The position primarily works from the NWMO office, with some time required to support off-site technical and engagement activities, requiring occasional absence from home.

Other Information

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 30 Adelaide St. East until their role is required to relocate.

Current employees may continue working from their existing work location/arrangements until their role is required at site.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being.  As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce.  The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities.  If you require accommodation, please contact us.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure full consideration.

The NWMO is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. While we sincerely appreciate every expression of interest, only those candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.