Student Careers

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is bringing together the finest minds to form a diverse, vibrant and dynamic workforce culture energized by the innovative capacity of students, new graduates and mid-career professionals, underpinned by senior world-renowned experts. We hire numerous students from colleges and universities each semester to support our research and perform other assignments. If you are looking for interesting and challenging work , then keep reading, and if you meet the requirements of the role, apply today!

Student Opportunities with CNL

Student Application Timelines

Summer Term
(May - August)

Apply in December/January

Fall Term
(September - December)

Apply in May/June

Winter Term
(January - April)

Apply in August/September

Ready to apply? Here is our application process.

Step 1 – Review Opportunities
Take a look at our available student programs and choose the one that matches your skills and interests. Think about what excites you and where you can make the biggest impact!
Step 2 – Prepare your Documents

Resume/CV: Keep it clear and concise (1-2 pages) with the most important skills and experiences that show why you'd be a great fit.

Transcripts: Make sure you have the most up-to-date version ready to go.

References: Have a couple of written references available to speed up the process.
Step 3 – Submit your Application

Head over to our careers portal and upload your documents.

Double-check that everything is accurate and complete.

Don't forget to submit before the deadline so your application gets reviewed!
Step 4 – Application Review
Our Talent team and hiring department will carefully review all applications. You'll be notified if your application is being considered for the next steps.
Step 5 – Interview (if applicable)

Make sure to stay professional and be on time.

Stay positive and be yourself - let your strengths shine!

This is also a great time for you to ask questions - show us you're interested in CNL!

Remember to review your resume and be ready to talk about your experiences in more detail.
Step 6 – Offer & Next Steps

If we believe you're a great match, we'll extend a job offer!

We'll walk you through the next steps and provide all the information you need to get started.

Once you accept, we'll prepare you for your fist day and help you get set up for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you’re curious about our student programs, the application process, or what it’s like to work at CNL, we’ve gathered the most common questions to help guide you.

What types of student opportunities does CNL offer?

CNL offers a range of exciting student programs, including:

Internships: Short-term, hands-on experiences designed to give you real-world exposure in your field of study.

Co-op Programs: Structured programs where you can alternate between work and school to gain valuable experience while continuing your education.

Enrichment Programs: Get involved in unique learning opportunities that help enhance your skills and knowledge. Check it out here!

Graduate Programs: Perfect for recent graduates who want to kickstart their career in nuclear science and technology.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the program or position, but here’s what you’ll typically need:

You must be a full-time student in a relevant academic program (like engineering, physics, chemistry, or environmental science).

For internships or co-ops, you should generally be in your second or third year of study.

Graduate roles may require a completed master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field.

A strong academic standing is key, and some roles may also require specific technical skills.

Do you have Security Eligibility requirements?

Yes, we do have Security requirements based on the role you will be working in:

Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has a minimum requirement of 3-5 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”

How do I apply to student programs at CNL?

What should I include in my resume and cover letter?

Do I need previous work experience to apply?

Is there a deadline for applications?

How will I be interviewed?

Can I apply for more than one student position?

Is there a possibility of full-time employment after completing the student program?

Do you offer travel assistance?

Can international students apply for student positions at CNL?

What if I don’t meet all the qualifications for a position?

How long does the application process take?

What is the work culture like at CNL?

How can I prepare for an interview at CNL?

Here are some tips to help you get ready:

Review your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss relevant coursework or projects.

Research CNL’s work, mission, and recent projects to show your interest in what we do.

Be ready to share problem-solving scenarios or examples of when you’ve worked successfully in a team.

Ask questions about the role and the projects you’d be involved in—it shows you’re interested and proactive.

Try using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions.

For any further questions, feel free to reach out to our Talent team at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!

Student Benefits

Paid Statutory Holidays
Students are paid for Statutory Holidays that falls within their work term.

Floating HolidayStudents receive one Company Floating holiday.

Additional 4% of earnings on each pay
Instead of accumulative vacation time, students receive an additional 4% of earnings on each pay.

Travel Assistance
Depending on the role, CNL may offer relocation assistance for students who need to move to work with us.

Click here for Resume Writing Tips!

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Make your resume stand out by customizing it for each job you apply to. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description, so employers can quickly see why you’re the perfect fit.

2. Start with a Strong Summary or Objective

Kick off your resume with a brief summary (2-3 lines) that highlights your best skills and experiences.
If you’re just starting your career, use an objective to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the company. It’s a great way to catch the recruiter’s attention right away!

3. Keep It Concise

Stick to 1-2 pages—this is the sweet spot for resumes. Focus on the most relevant experience and skills, and cut out anything that doesn’t directly match the job you’re applying for. Keep it short and sweet, but impactful.

4. Highlight Relevant Skills

List both technical skills (like software or tools) and soft skills (like teamwork, communication, and leadership). Employers want to see that you’re a well-rounded candidate!
Use bullet points to make it easy to read and scan quickly.

5. Use a Clean, Professional Design

Keep your resume simple and organized—choose a layout that’s easy to read and avoid overcrowding it with too many colors or graphics.
Make sure to leave enough white space and keep the margins wide for a neat, polished look. You want your resume to be clear and professional!

My summer placement at CNL was a transformative and rewarding experience which opened my eyes to the corporate sector. The welcoming team encouraged an environment where I was offered opportunities to tackle new challenges in order to expand my skill set based on my future career intentions. Ultimately, this opportunity was my first real taste of the professional landscape, and while it presented its obstacles, I was never without generous support. I’d like to extend a thank you to the Environmental Remediation Management team I had the privilege of working with. Their teamwork made the experience incredibly rewarding! My advice to incoming students is to embrace the learning milestones with an open mind. Your journey is what you make of it, so take advantage of every opportunity given to you!
- Emma Taylor,
Hey everyone! My name is Taya Williams and I am a fourth-year student at Ontario Tech University in Environmental Toxicology. I have had the pleasure of working in various departments at CNL, including the Long-Term Waste Management Facility, Interior Remediation and Radon to name a few. In working with these departments, I have gained a deeper understanding of the full remediation process from beginning to end. One of my most memorable experiences was completing my first interior remediation property with the team. It is incredibly rewarding to see the joy on a homeowner’s face when their home is free of contamination. My passion for protecting the environment has also grown significantly during my co-op, as it has shown me the crucial connection between the nuclear and environmental fields. I would gladly recommend this co-op to other students, as it is an excellent opportunity to expand your network and knowledge.
- Taya Williams, Environmental Toxicology student
My experience as a Co-op student at CNL has been incredibly rewarding. I was given the opportunity to work alongside professionals in this field and contribute to a few research projects. For instance, I was heavily involved in the research on the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the cell cycle of cancer cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. During this journey, my supervisors encouraged me to take on challenges and put myself on the spot to gain new hands-on experience and skills. As a result, I was introduced to potential career paths that I would be interested in exploring in the future. It was a thrilling experience that gave me more confidence in myself. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
- Nada Mayassi,
This summer I got the opportunity to intern at CNL in the decommissioning and environmental remediation department as a mechanical engineering student. My internship taught me a lot about what engineering looks like outside of the classroom. Throughout my time at CNL, I got to work on a bunch of interesting projects, participate in field walkdowns and get mentored by senior engineers who helped guide me through my work. Working on my projects helped strengthen my technical knowledge and writing skills and taught me a lot about the really cool work that CNL does. I also got to meet a lot of new people and made some new friends as well! Overall, I really enjoyed my time interning at CNL and am very grateful for having received such an amazing opportunity.
- Sara Biedacha, Mechanical Engineering student

Student Careers

Student Application Timelines

Summer Term (May - August)

Fall Term (September - December)

Winter Term (January - April)

Ready to apply? Here is our application process.

Step 1 – Review Opportunities

Step 2 – Prepare your Documents

Step 3 – Submit your Application

Step 4 – Application Review

Step 5 – Interview (if applicable)

Step 6 – Offer & Next Steps