Jobs

The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks applications for a Post-Doctoral Scientist in the Wasserman Lab working on the Silent Genomes Project.  The Wasserman laboratory partners with a strong genetics community to develop and apply computational (bioinformatics) methods to improve diagnosis for individuals with rare genetic disorders caused by variations in genome sequences. The Silent Genomes Project is a national collaboration focused on the establishment of an Indigenous Background Variant Library under Indigenous governance and oversight.

Based on the campus of BC Children’s Hospital, the Wasserman laboratory is the lead laboratory for the technical implementation of the Indigenous Background Variant Library, including the implementation of software pipelines for processing whole genome sequence data generated at an approved genome centre, the implementation of quality control analyses, the construction of the database to host the generated genetic data and the implementation of the interface via which the data can be accessed by approved users.  The work, while computational in focus, requires close interaction with an Indigenous governance committee, collaborators and trainees.  In addition to engineering, the Wasserman laboratory seeks to develop innovative bioinformatics methods for assessing the quality of and improving the library.  The candidate will apply computational skills to develop computationally efficient and reproducible results for the detection of genetic variants across whole genome sequences, create methods to separate shared from not shared genetic variation data from related individuals, create methods to predict the number of novel genetic variants (compared to an existing background variation database), and develop procedures for assessing the presence of structural variants, initially detected in long-read sequencing data, in short-read whole genome sequence data, and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts, reports and funding applications.  Central to the work, is extraordinary attention to the sensitivity of the data being processed, with particular emphasis on the rights of Indigenous peoples and the central importance of adhering to the Indigenous governance procedures within the project. Experience with whole genome sequence processing and analysis, pipeline management software (e.g. Nextflow) and working with highly sensitive genetic data are strong advantages.

Organizational Status

This is a leadership role, requiring a high degree of independence, initiative and professional judgement.  The successful candidate reports to and receives guidance from Dr. W. Wasserman (Professor, Medical Genetics, Project Leader).  The successful candidate supervises staff members and possibly University students or volunteers working on Silent Genomes.  They will contribute to development of reports for oversight bodies and funding organizations.

Supervision Received

The incumbent works with wide latitude and demonstrates a high degree of independence.  They report to and receive guidance from Dr. W. Wasserman (Professor, Medical Genetics, Project Leader)

Supervision Given

The incumbent provides expertise to project team members, including  University students and other trainees participating on the Silent Genomes project.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator and/or University as a site for further research and/or funding. Performance must strictly conform to research protocols, Tri-Council policy statement, and standard Canadian guidelines for health research involving Indigenous People.

A high level of cultural competency and sensitivity is necessary in this position, as any insensitive actions could jeopardize our longstanding research relationship with the Indigenous communities we work with.

Errors in the dissemination of DNA sequence data or any breach of confidentiality could jeopardize this research study and Dr. Wasserman’s research program. A confidentiality agreement must be signed, stating that any identifying and/or personal information will be held in the strictest confidence.

The laboratory of Dr. Arielle Elkrief, co-Director of the CHUM Microbiome Centre is searching for a talented and self-driven Computational Biologist or Bioinformatician to join our computational team as a post-doctoral fellow. The candidate will focus on establishing computational infrastructure for analysing complex and multimodal microbiome data. The candidate will be working closely with other computational biologists, basic scientists, students, and researchers including members of the Dr. Bertrand Routy laboratory, co-Director of the CHUM Microbiome Centre.

The Elkrief lab will provide both computational support with a senior computational biologist on-staff. The candidate will be responsible for designing a data architecture to leverage and integrate in house microbiome-oncology datasets, processing, visualizing and interpreting data for multiple projects.

The lab focuses on developing novel microbiome-based therapies for people with lung cancer and melanoma treated with immunotherapy. This includes investigating the role of fecal microbial transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, and diet in prospective clinical patient trials, with a focus on integrating multi-omic translational correlative approaches using biospecimens from patients enrolled on these trials. The specific role of the candidate will be to perform primary computational biology analyses on samples from multiple clinical trials with high potential for impact.

From two to three years of secured funded for working on computational modeling, multi-omics molecular and multi-modal neuroimaging analysis in neurodegeneration (multiple diseases, including AD, PD, and others). Collaborations with many prestigious institutions (e.g. Rush University, Alberta University). Competitive salaries and conditions.

Example of work:

Are you passionate about unraveling the secrets of RNA and deciphering their functional structures? Do you have a strong background in bioinformatics and a burning curiosity to explore the dynamic world of RNA molecules? If so, we invite you to embark on an exciting research journey with us!

🔬 About Us:

At the Computational Biology Research and Analytics (COBRA) Lab at the University of Alberta, we are at the forefront of cutting-edge RNA research. In collaboration with Dr. Lara Mahal (Professor of Chemistry and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Glycomics) we are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team of passionate scientists. Our mission is to advance our understanding of RNA biology and its implications in various biological processes.

🧬 Position Overview:

– **Position**: Postdoctoral Researcher in RNA Bioinformatics

– **Location**: Edmonton, Alberta

– **Duration**: One year with possibility of extension

– **Start Date**: As soon as possible

Why Join Us?

– Work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

– Access cutting-edge technology and resources for your research.

– Opportunities for career development and networking.

– Competitive salary and benefits package ($70,000 per annum).

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of RNA and making a significant impact in the field of molecular biology. Apply today and become an integral part of our innovative research team!

We seek a postdoctoral fellow to help develop an AI-powered self-driving lab to automate multiscale mapping of multicellular, human biological model systems. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence, contributing to the future of precision medicine through innovative approaches. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing machine learning-driven analysis of high-content imaging data and integrating multi-omics datasets within human organ mimicry systems. This work will involve developing novel computational approaches for biological discovery while engaging in a highly interdisciplinary research environment. 

This is an Acceleration Consortium Post Doctoral Fellowship supervised by Staff Scientists Dr. Ilya Yakavets and Dr. Yimu Zhao in the Human Organ Mimicry self-driving lab (SDL) with a direct reporting line to co-supervisor Professor Gary Bader in the Departments of Computer Science and Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. 

The Human Organ Mimicry SDL is an autonomous, AI-driven lab focused on advancing material development, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. By integrating organoids, organ-on-chip technology, biosensors, and machine learning, the lab creates biomimetic models that closely replicate human organ functions and generate clinically relevant data. These models enable medium-throughput, high-content experimentation, accelerating data-driven health research. 

The position provides the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research within a vibrant intellectual community at Canada’s leading university. It offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and an outstanding research environment at the Acceleration Consortium within the University of Toronto, working within a world-class team of scientists dedicated to advancing machine learning applications in human organ mimicry, precision medicine, and more. The Department of Computer Science is globally recognized for its pioneering research in artificial intelligence, while the Department of Molecular Genetics is internationally acclaimed as a premier institution for biomedical and life sciences research and education. Furthermore, the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering the integration of functional genomics, computer science, engineering, and biology to address key challenges in biomedical research (http://www.thedonnellycentre.utoronto.ca). 

Situated within the University of Toronto, one of the most concentrated biomedical research communities globally, this position provides access to extensive resources, including fully affiliated academic hospitals and research institutes. The Greater Toronto Area enhances this exceptional academic environment with its cultural and demographic diversity, as well as one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications. 

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV, brief cover letter, and contact information for three references to gary.bader@utoronto.ca referencing SDL6 in the subject. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.