Accelerator Technician at McMaster University

Job ID
73516

Job Title Accelerator Technician

Regular/Temporary Temporary

Location
Central Campus

Open Date 12/23/2025

Job Type Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date 01/07/2026

Employee Group Unifor Unit 1, Staff Favorite Job

Department Nuclear Reactor

Full/Part Time Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band Grade 7

Salary Range $25.70 - $39.89 (hourly)

Contract Duration 12.1 Months

Existing Vacancy Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Hours per Week 37.5

Target Number of Openings 1

Job Code JD1647

Posting Details

Schedule Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m., 60 minute unpaid meal period provided each day
Education Level 3 year Community College diploma in Electronics or a related field of study
Career Level Requires 3 years of relevant experience
JD JD1647
Location Nuclear Research Building
Expected Start Date January 2026

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Unit/Project Description:

Nuclear Operations and Facilities at McMaster comprises a world class suite of nuclear facilities, including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems shielded facilities, the McMaster University Cyclotron Facility, the McMaster Accelerator Laboratory, the McMaster High Level Laboratory facility and the Taylor Radiobiology Source. This suite of nuclear facilities is key to our identity as “Canada’s Nuclear University” and a major effort is underway to increase the research and educational impact of these facilities in this priority strategic area of the University.

The post holder will join the Nuclear Operations and Facilities, Accelerator Operations Team to support the operation of the McMaster University Class II Facilities lead by Dr Karin Nielsen (Manager, Radioisotope R&D & Manager, Class II Facilities).
Within the Class II Facilities, consisting of the McMaster University Cyclotron Facility (MUCF) and the McMaster Accelerator Laboratory (MAL), the post holder will provide a range of technical, logistical, and operational support. A main part of the role will be the routine operation of the MAL 1.25 MV Tandetron accelerator and the MUCF PETtrace cyclotron, including assisting with maintenance and servicing when needed, to support McMaster Faculty and external collaborator projects. Additionally, the post holder would be expected to assist on internal projects to maintain and optimize interlock and safety systems, as well as develop target systems for novel and established radioisotope production. This role will be working around radiological hazards in a controlled environment.

Job Summary:

Responsible for the maintenance and operation of the accelerator. Provides a range of technical, logistical, and operational support within the University accelerator laboratory.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Design numerous pieces of ancillary equipment such as particle accelerator radiation interlock components, x-ray system shutters, and vacuum systems associated with accelerator beamlines.
• Determine material requirements and tolerances required to fabricate parts.
• Review experiments and determine the operational needs required to meet the experimental requirements.
• Install and commission various pieces of equipment.
• Resolve problems encountered in the installation and servicing of mechanical and electrical systems including vacuum systems, ion source components, diagnostic systems and radiation interlock systems.
• Adhere to established guidelines and procedures when calibrating equipment.
• Prioritize the maintenance and upgrading of equipment.
• Demonstrate and train others on how to operate equipment.
• Write a variety of documents such as procedure manuals, reports, and correspondence.
• Operate various power tools and apparatus required to fabricate equipment.
• Exchange technical and scientific information with others.
• Maintain inventory and records of accelerator and major equipment operations, inspections, malfunctions, repairs, maintenance, and replacement parts.
• Source parts for machines such as vacuum pumps, accelerator components, and electronic systems components.

Requirements:

• 3 year Community College diploma in Electronics or a related field of study.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Experience in electrical, mechanical or nuclear engineering, in nuclear or medical physics or in an equivalent field
• Basic understanding of accelerator operation
• Experience working with RF, vacuum or PLC systems
• Basic knowledge of safe handling of radioactive materials, including gamma, beta and alpha emitters
• Basic understanding of the processes for radioisotope production

Additional Information:

1 year contract with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate must pass a security background check as specified by the Nuclear Safety Control Act and will be classified as a Nuclear Energy Worker.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

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