Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)

Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Medicine.

The GSC is a department of the BC Cancer Research Institute and a high-throughput genome sequencing facility. We are leaders in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics in pursuit of novel treatment strategies for cancers and other diseases.

Among the world’s first genome centres to be established within a cancer clinic, for more than two decades our scientists and innovators have been designing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to benefit health and advance clinical research.

Among the GSC’s most significant accomplishments are the first publication to demonstrate the use of whole-genome sequencing to inform cancer treatment planning, the first published sequence of the SARS coronavirus genome and major contributions to the first physical map of the human genome as part of the Human Genome Project.

By joining the GSC you will become part of an exceptional and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, experts and professionals operating at the leading edge of clinical research. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness, respect—to join us on our mission to use genome science for the betterment of health and society.

Summary

Job Reference No. RA_R00006_Clinical_2025_01_10

Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) of the BC Cancer Research Institute is a state-of-the-art, large-scale, high-throughput, clinically accredited genomics and bioinformatics facility located in one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world.

As a Research Associate within the Centre for Clinical Genomics Informatics team at the GSC, you will play a pivotal role in advancing clinical bioinformatics capabilities by developing, validating, and optimizing workflows and pipelines to support cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Research Associate will report to the Team leader and is anchored within a team of exceptional computational scientists, programmers and clinical researchers, who collaborate directly on the development and maintenance of robust, cost efficient, and competitive clinical genomics pipelines.

This is an opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a science-oriented, creative and dynamic environment. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and significant career development opportunities.

This position is initially funded for two years.

Key Accountabilities

• Developing clinical bioinformatics workflows for new projects that require quick turnarounds and/or reproducible results and, where relevant, containerizing them.
• Analyzing clinical sequencing data from technology development experiments in the lab, summarizing results and formally presenting findings in internal meetings and discussions, including at local, and national meetings.
• Supporting technological advances and providing recommendations to wet and dry lab production groups on new technology and workflow optimizations based on comparative analyses, often with custom bioinformatics tools and workflows.
• Facilitating the transfer of novel analysis pipelines and technologies into production, such as writing clinical validation documents, drafting Standard Operating Procedures, training production staff, and assisting with troubleshooting exercises.
• Training designated members of the clinical bioinformatics group in new or optimized analysis workflows. Writes or revises protocols accordingly.
• Identifies processes/procedures that can improve and optimize the clinical validation process.
• Reviews data to identify opportunities to offer new or improved assays.
• Identifies and pursues opportunities to publish in peer reviewed journals to contribute to the broader community.
• Performs other technical functions related to the Bioinformatics groups of the GSC.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer science, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field.
• Proven expertise with Python and/or other similar high-level languages.
• Demonstrated ability in R or other similar statistical programming languages and in statistical analysis.
• Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as Git.
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment, including experience with shell scripting and common command-line tools.
• Familiarity with pipeline tools (eg. Nextflow, singularity) and high-performance computing (slurm) are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience with software development lifecyle and appling CI/CD pipelines to streamline the development and deployment of reliable and effective bioinformatics tools and workflows.
• Demonstrated experience with next generation/ third generation sequencing technology with an in-depth understanding of standards and guidelines for validating clinical bioinformatics analysis pipelines using these technologies.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Experience liaising with multiple stakeholders to support consensus goals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet milestones, and efficiently organize work assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to write technical documents including validations and procedure manuals
• Demonstrated ability to accept responsibility and work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex scientific ideas.

Benefits:

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes statutory benefits - Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the BC Cancer group benefits plan which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: 

Temporary Full-Time, 7.5 hrs. per day

Hybrid

Salary Range: 

$74,618 - $107,264 p.a.

The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. 

Higher salary offers above the midpoint range require additional review and approval.

Apply

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using Job Reference No. RA_R00006_Clinical_2025_01_10 in the subject line of your email.

While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Important!

COVID-19 vaccines protect against infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) that causes COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of high-priority immunizations recommended for health-care workers. Health care workers should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine immunizations. 

Please note all jobs at the GSC are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.

We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.

We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.