Research Assistant III Quality Systems

Duties/Accountablilties:

1. In collaboration with the GSC’s software developers, the Research Assistant III will define and document the quality systems processes for the bioinformatics analysis pipeline by developing software protocols to meet the regulatory and GSC standards.

2. Establishes and maintains quality assurance and quality control standard operating procedures (SOP) for the bioinformatics group. Prepares SOP templates and other documents which will serve as base documents for creating new documents throughout the full life cycle of software development.

3. Defines, implements, executes and documents test procedures and QC software tools for the data analysis software used in the pipeline. Ensures compliance with all external granting agency regulations and internal requirements.   

4. Implements systems for documenting and communicating test results including issues found and their resolutions. Follows up with the Production Coordinator for approval prior to implementation as needed.

5. Participates in root cause analysis and documents failures according to the established non-conformance systems by developing process flow diagrams, failure modes and causes, and appropriate corrective and preventative actions. Provides leadership, guidance, recommendation and facilitation in continuous improvement activities.

6. Participates with software developers to develop, maintain and execute automated test suites. Reviews codes developed by the bioinformatics group and tests the codes to ensure compliance with quality standards.

7. Assists in the implementation of appropriate QA methodologies, standards and procedures based on national and international software quality standards and practices. Provides the procedure, training and the monitoring of compliance with the national and international software quality standards and practices and communicates regulatory issues, new statutes and/or guidelines to the bioinformatics group.

8. Conducts internal audits in the bioinformatics pipeline according to established auditing procedures to ensure compliance with QS requirements. 

9. Communicates quality policy, metrics and trends to the GSC staff.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Engineering or Computer Science.
• A minimum of 4 years of recent industry experience in software Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) as it applies to data processing and software engineering including three years working knowledge of languages such as Perl/Python, Java/C++ and/or UNIX/LINUX or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrable experience successfully testing complex system software.
• Strong background in relational databases and open source databases.
• Working knowledge of agile software development strategies.
• Superb test development skills using Java/C++ as well as scripting languages like Perl or Python.
• Familiarity with Canadian and U.S. software industry quality standards and accreditation programs.
• Familiarity with molecular biology applications, data analysis for bioinformatics studies and/or next generation sequencing.
• Excellent communication skills in English both spoken and written.
• Demonstrated ability to accept responsibility and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Highly motivated to help implement best software development practices.