Summer Student – Data Acquisition
About the role
The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan. CLS produces very bright light to explore the nature and structure of molecules, and serves national and international users from academia, industry, and government institutions.
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is seeking a summer student to support the development of advanced features for beamline data acquisition systems. This role will focus on enhancing the Bluesky project by implementing higher-level functionality that improves beamline operations and user experience. Working closely with the Data Acquisition (DAQ) team and beamline scientists, the student will develop quality-of-life features such as automated calibration, sophisticated staging, and streamlined workflows that integrate multiple tasks for seamless operation. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in scientific software development and contribute to cutting-edge synchrotron technology.
Reporting to the Software and Data Services Manager, this position will be a full-time summer position starting on Friday, May 1st, and concluding on Friday, August 28th, or as discussed with the direct supervisor.
Representative Duties:
- Collaborate with the DAQ team to implement value-added features for the Bluesky project.
- Work with beamline staff to identify and develop quality-of-life improvements for beamline operations.
- Design and implement automated calibration routines and advanced staging processes.
- Develop workflows that integrate multiple tasks for more efficient and seamless beamline operation.
- Test and validate new features to ensure reliability and usability.
- Document development processes and provide user guidance for implemented features.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Engineering (Electrical, Engineering Physics, Computer Engineering) or Computer Science and returning to studies in the fall.
- Experience with Python programming and software development.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems or scientific instrumentation is an asset.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Good communication skills for interacting with scientists and documenting workflows.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
**Remuneration:**Hourly rate is dependent upon current year of study (1st Year: $17.75/hr., 2nd Year: 18.43/hr., 3rd Year: $19.46/hr., 4th Year: 20.48/hr., 5th year: $21.50/hr., Graduate Student: $22.65/hr.).
**To Apply:**Submit a resume and cover letter along with references, in confidence, online at www.lightsource.ca/careers. Applications will be considered as of January 11, 2026. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is an equal opportunities employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications. One of our values is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we strive to create a workforce that reflects our users and the community in which we live. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and we hope you will choose CLSI as your employer of choice. If you have any questions or concerns about accessible employment at CLSI, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through our recruitment process, please contact us at jobs@lightsource.ca*.*
About CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE INC.
The Canadian Light Source is the only synchrotron in Canada and one of the largest scientific infrastructure investments in our country’s history.
Since the start of operations, in 2005, CLS has enabled over 5,000 scientists from 56 Canadian academic institutions and 45 countries, to publish over 6,000 scientific papers, highlighting discoveries in a wide variety of fields, in over 1,000 international scientific collaborations.
From helping in the fight against COVID-19 to creating new cancer-fighting drugs, developing more nutritious and climate-resistant crops and supporting clean-tech and green mining processes, CLS’s infrastructure and experts help researchers solve problems, train the next generation of scientists, and support industries to become more efficient and sustainable.
CLS employs more than 250 people including scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative and business personnel.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan fund our operations.
Summer Student – Data Acquisition
About the role
The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan. CLS produces very bright light to explore the nature and structure of molecules, and serves national and international users from academia, industry, and government institutions.
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is seeking a summer student to support the development of advanced features for beamline data acquisition systems. This role will focus on enhancing the Bluesky project by implementing higher-level functionality that improves beamline operations and user experience. Working closely with the Data Acquisition (DAQ) team and beamline scientists, the student will develop quality-of-life features such as automated calibration, sophisticated staging, and streamlined workflows that integrate multiple tasks for seamless operation. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in scientific software development and contribute to cutting-edge synchrotron technology.
Reporting to the Software and Data Services Manager, this position will be a full-time summer position starting on Friday, May 1st, and concluding on Friday, August 28th, or as discussed with the direct supervisor.
Representative Duties:
- Collaborate with the DAQ team to implement value-added features for the Bluesky project.
- Work with beamline staff to identify and develop quality-of-life improvements for beamline operations.
- Design and implement automated calibration routines and advanced staging processes.
- Develop workflows that integrate multiple tasks for more efficient and seamless beamline operation.
- Test and validate new features to ensure reliability and usability.
- Document development processes and provide user guidance for implemented features.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Engineering (Electrical, Engineering Physics, Computer Engineering) or Computer Science and returning to studies in the fall.
- Experience with Python programming and software development.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems or scientific instrumentation is an asset.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Good communication skills for interacting with scientists and documenting workflows.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
**Remuneration:**Hourly rate is dependent upon current year of study (1st Year: $17.75/hr., 2nd Year: 18.43/hr., 3rd Year: $19.46/hr., 4th Year: 20.48/hr., 5th year: $21.50/hr., Graduate Student: $22.65/hr.).
**To Apply:**Submit a resume and cover letter along with references, in confidence, online at www.lightsource.ca/careers. Applications will be considered as of January 11, 2026. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is an equal opportunities employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications. One of our values is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we strive to create a workforce that reflects our users and the community in which we live. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and we hope you will choose CLSI as your employer of choice. If you have any questions or concerns about accessible employment at CLSI, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through our recruitment process, please contact us at jobs@lightsource.ca*.*
About CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE INC.
The Canadian Light Source is the only synchrotron in Canada and one of the largest scientific infrastructure investments in our country’s history.
Since the start of operations, in 2005, CLS has enabled over 5,000 scientists from 56 Canadian academic institutions and 45 countries, to publish over 6,000 scientific papers, highlighting discoveries in a wide variety of fields, in over 1,000 international scientific collaborations.
From helping in the fight against COVID-19 to creating new cancer-fighting drugs, developing more nutritious and climate-resistant crops and supporting clean-tech and green mining processes, CLS’s infrastructure and experts help researchers solve problems, train the next generation of scientists, and support industries to become more efficient and sustainable.
CLS employs more than 250 people including scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative and business personnel.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan fund our operations.