The role

We are looking for a Research Officer, Digital Construction – BIM & Digital Project Delivery, to support our Construction Research Centre. The Research Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Implementation of an NRC Platform

Federal Budget 2022 proposed that the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) receive $183 million over seven years (2022-29) to transition the Canadian construction sector towards decarbonization and a more resilient built environment. The funding will support the implementation of a NRC Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale consisting of three integrated and synergistic “thrusts” to advance the transformation of Canada’s construction sector and contribute to the emerging low-carbon economy.

The Digitalized Construction Challenge Program (approximately $70 million over seven years) will drive transformation to digitalized construction. The program will lower construction time and cost, while improving sector innovation potential, productivity and the pace at which low-carbon solutions can be deployed in new and retrofit construction projects. The program will be specifically designed to harness and focus Canada’s research and innovation capacity in industry, academia and research-based OGDs to fill key knowledge gaps (e.g. guidelines, methods of data exchange, digital construction roadmap, integration methods between digital ecosystem and decarbonization tools, etc.) to realize standardized seamless building/infrastructure data collection. It will also seek to exchange practices and reporting, implement processes to optimize the designs and compliance of buildings and infrastructure, leverage benefits of advanced manufacturing processes (including off-site panelized and modular construction), and advance development of low-carbon retrofit solutions that lever performance-based design.

The role (cont'd)

Digitalization of the performance levels in building information management will stimulate innovative building retrofit solutions and adoption of new low-carbon products. Research and development motivated by this program will provide the technical solutions needed for early adopters in the private sector to uniformly implement integrated digital construction practices throughout the asset lifecycle and across the sector. Demonstration projects with early adopters will showcase the value of digitalized construction solutions, which will help increase sector productivity, reduce time and cost, when coupled with a shift from prescriptive to performance-based solutions.

The primary responsibility of the RO is to support the goals of NRC and the Construction Research Centre through research of international calibre and the development and application of advanced technologies The RO will work in a team environment with other researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. While the primary role of this position is to provide support for on-going projects, activities may also include the development of proposals for new research initiatives, project management, and providing service to NRC clients. The incumbent may also interact with diverse stakeholders, including representatives of government, industry and academia, during the course of the project.

This Research Officer will focus on Building Information Modeling data standards, BIM integration, Digital Twin application and Digital Project Delivery. This position will provide direct support to a large multi-party initiative that will produce guidelines, and databases that will empower Canadians to take BIM-based decision-making tools and actions.

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

A Ph.D. in Civil, Construction or Architectural engineering with an emphasis on Building Information Modeling (BIM).

A Ph.D. in a related discipline combined with experience in BIM applied consulting or research may also be considered.

Education or certification related to building data science, life cycle environmental and /or cost assessment may be considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Extensive experience in applications of Construction 4.0 in design & construction (e.g. BIM-based elements of data standards).
• Significant experience in research proposal development, working with diverse stakeholders, project execution, documentation, and reporting.
• Experience related to the data exchange formats such as XML, IFC, Building Smart Data Dictionary, Information Delivery Manual, and BIM collaboration format would be an asset.
• Significant experience related to methods of data harmonization, Information Delivery Specifications and BIM collaboration.
• Experience with SQL server along with programming skill with C# or Python would be considered an asset.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

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 apply knowledge to research and technology development projects and to participate in research project planning, work scheduling, costing, proposal development and engaging with clients.
• Advanced knowledge in BIM- based data standards, ISO 19650 digital standards and automation in construction technologies.
• Knowledge of BIM-related database theory and tools (data collection, interpretation of results, and ensuring data quality).
• Ability to utilize decision support tools through BIM-integrated APIs.
• Knowledge of master specifications and life cycle inventory (LCI) in building life cycle assessment process would be an asset.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. 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 such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we 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. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We 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.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.