Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)

Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Medicine.

Job Reference No.  PDF_01553_Jones Lab_2024_03_14

Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is a state-of-the-art, large scale, high throughput, clinically accredited genomics and bioinformatics facility. As part of the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) secretariat, GSC plays a pivotal role in steering this monumental initiative aiming to sequence all life on Earth. We are currently looking for a Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF) to work as the EBP’s Genomic Insights Coordinator funded by Genome British Columbia. 

In this role, you will support the EGP Secretariat which is located at the Arizona State University and supported by the GSC – BC Cancer, Genome BC, Sanger Institute and Monell Foundation and will work closely together with Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) consortium on the sequencing and assembly standards.

The position is anchored within a team of exceptional scientists, computational biologists and programmers, which collaborate directly on improving genome sequencing technology, interpretation and application. Working with Dr. Steven Jones and the group at the GSC, you will develop close relationships with world-renown specialists in genomics and bioinformatics and have access to one of the most robust computational and next generation genome sequencing technology facilities in Canada, all while living in one of the most beautiful, diverse and eclectic cities in the world. 

Duties

• Improve Communication on EBP data by utilizing various media platforms to engage with end-users.
• Enhance literacy through educational workshops and development of resources. This will be done in collaboration with academic institutions.
• Develop or collaborate on portals where users can access data tools easily.
• Set up training sessions on how to navigate these portals.
• Develop methods to ensure that the data can be easily integrated into analytical processes of the end-users.
• Engage with Key Rightsholders and Stakeholders by setting up meetings and focus groups with representatives from biodiversity, taxonomy, conservation, academic health research and industry sectors to understand their unique needs.
• Work actively with end-users to ensure access to latest biodiversity research and provide resources to support understanding such organisms and conservation efforts.
• Perform literature searches, testing and validation of new data analysis software related to bioinformatics interpretation of genomes.
• Represent the project within the global EBP consortium and contribute to the development of outreach materials and website information.
• Collaborate with the Project Leader to ensure all scientific milestones are achieved and contribute to progress reporting as required.
• Pursue opportunities for further research on the genomic information developed and scholarly publication.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Expertise in bioinformatics, emphasizing genome sequence analysis and gene annotation.
• Knowledge and experience using scientific tools, technologies and online resources as pertaining to de-novo genome assembly.
• Fluency in multiple programming languages, including Python, Javascript and SQL desirable.
• Expertise developing and operating in a UNIX/Linux environment and writing shell scripts.
• Experience developing custom scripts and pipelines using high performance computing and other available tools. Pipelines may include de novo assembly, annotation, database query, pan-genome construction and visualization tools, RNA-seq and phylogenetic tree reconstruction.
• Excellent communication and organization skills, and ability to efficiently manage time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing both long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities.
• Ability for critical thinking and independent learning.
• Experience in a supervisory role is an asset.  

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.

• 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.
• 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

Salary Range: 

$58,000 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. 

Apply

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using PDF_01553_Jones Lab_2024_03_14 in the subject line of your email. This position will remain online until filled.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the position would require working remotely within British Columbia on a temporary basis with an ability to come to the normal workplace within reasonable notice. This restriction would be re-evaluated after finalization of reopening plans.

Important!

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

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.