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.

Job Reference No: RP_R00008_CCGI_2024_07_12

Summary

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 in one of the most beautiful, diverse and eclectic cities in the world.

As a Research Programmer within the Centre for Clinical Genomics Informatics team at the GSC, you will be responsible for technical support for clinical programs through development, testing and validation of clinical bioinformatics processes. The Research Programmer will report to the Process Development Coordinator and is anchored within a team of exceptional computational scientists and programmers, who collaborate directly on the development and maintenance of robust, cost efficient, and competitive clinical genomics pipelines. By working within the GSCs bioinformatics facility, you will collaborate with clinical and research computational biologists and programmers across bioinformatics groups, clinical lab staff and the quality assurance group to deliver clinical diagnostic genomic testing for patients in BC.

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.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply now!

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with team members to identify and implement pipeline improvements to optimize existing clinical pipelines.
• Works with stakeholders to design, plan and implement testing and development of new clinical bioinformatics software.
• Development and maintenance of clinical genomic databases.
• Delivery of clear and concise documentation.
• Actively participate in a team-oriented approach to improve efficiency and productivity.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor’s program in an appropriate discipline such as Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry, and three years of recent, related experience in a research and or clinical laboratory.
• Proven expertise with Python, R, and/or other similar high-level languages.
• Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as Git.
• Demonstrated experience with analysis of next generation sequencing data with an understanding of standards and guidelines for validating clinical bioinformatics analysis pipelines using these technologies.
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment, including experience with shell scripting and common command-line tools.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize work assignments and establish priorities to meet set milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to write technical documents including validations and procedure manuals.
• Experience with bioinformatic workflow managers and database development would be considered 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.
• 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

Salary Range: 

$67,861 - $97,550 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 Job Reference No: RP_R00008_CCGI_2024_07_12 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.