This is a full time position within the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute reporting to Dr. Sorana Morrissy and Dr Augusto Faria Andrade, at the Cumming School of Medicine. The position is available beginning immediately for an appointment period of 12 months, with the option to extend for multiple years.

The University of Calgary’s Charbonneau Cancer Institute has a thriving immunotherapy research program focused on developing next-generation immunotherapies and delivering them to cancer patients in Alberta and beyond. In bringing together basic, translational and clinical scientists and supporting them to achieve a shared mission, this unique ecosystem for translational research produces knowledge, inventions, collaborations, and commercial opportunities. The bioinformatician role will be positioned within the Discovery and Innovation node of this program to (1) to identify and study novel therapeutic targets for immune therapy in solid tumors, including pediatric brain cancers, and (2) support collaborative research projects. The successful candidate will have responsibility at technical and intellectual levels.

The Bioinformatician will design and implement workflows for multi-omic datasets generated in-house and acquired from public data repositories. They will work closely and collaboratively with staff and trainees within and outside of the immunotherapy program to facilitate informatics needs towards translational medicine goals. Their work will focus on the genomics, machine learning, and translational medicine space. They will analyze data, prepare and deliver reports and presentations, attend and present their findings at local, national and international meetings, and contribute to manuscript and grant preparation. The Bioinformatician will play an integral role throughout the program and will benefit from opportunities for training and growth towards more senior roles. Ultimately, they will contribute to a scientific ecosystem that supports an integrated array of translational research within the Charbonneau Cancer Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine.

Job Reference: Job Reference No. RA_R00006_POG_2025_08_26

Summary

The Research Associate will work within the Clinical Informatics team as part of the Personalized OncoGenomics Program (POG). The goal of this program is to develop cutting-edge approaches to aid in the determination of relevant therapeutic options based on the genomic and transcriptomic information derived from a patient’s tumour. Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and the Group Leader, the Research Associate will be responsible for analyzing, interpreting and communicating cancer genomic data into research reports. The analyst will also be involved in collaborative research analysis activities relating to the development, implementation and assessment of bioinformatic tools. The ideal candidate is passionate about genomics, translational research and impacting cancer patient care.

The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks applications for a Research Associate 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.  The ideal candidate will apply computational skills to develop computationally efficient and reproducible results for the detection of genetic variants across whole genome sequences from hundreds to thousands of individual samples, establish and document standard operating procedures for such analyses, incorporate new innovative methods for detection of genetic variants (either for new classes of variants or using data from different sequencing techniques (e.g. long-read)), 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 or SnakeMake) 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), with input and advice from Dr. L. Arbour (Medical Geneticist, Co-Project Leader) and Dr. Nadine Caron (Co-Project Leader) as needed.  The successful candidate supervises staff members and possibly University students or volunteers working on Silent Genomes.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator’s laboratory and/or the 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.  Inaccuracies or incompleteness of data collection, or errors in the collection and handling of biological samples could result in erroneous data analysis and study results; therefore, it is imperative that the successful candidate is detail- oriented and very careful with their work.

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 direction and expertise to project team members, including research assistants, overseeing the daily activities of trainees, and directing a scientific computer programmer participating on the Silent Genomes project.

Job Summary

The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks applications for a Research Associate 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.  The ideal candidate will apply computational skills to develop computationally efficient and reproducible results for the detection of genetic variants across whole genome sequences from hundreds to thousands of individual samples, establish and document standard operating procedures for such analyses, incorporate new innovative methods for detection of genetic variants (either for new classes of variants or using data from different sequencing techniques (e.g. long-read)), 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 or SnakeMake) 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), with input and advice from Dr. L. Arbour (Medical Geneticist, Co-Project Leader) and Dr. Nadine Caron (Co-Project Leader) as needed.  The successful candidate supervises staff members and possibly University students or volunteers working on Silent Genomes.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator’s laboratory and/or the 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.  Inaccuracies or incompleteness of data collection, or errors in the collection and handling of biological samples could result in erroneous data analysis and study results; therefore, it is imperative that the successful candidate is detail- oriented and very careful with their work.

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 direction and expertise to project team members, including research assistants, overseeing the daily activities of trainees, and directing a scientific computer programmer participating on the Silent Genomes project.

About OICR

OICR is Ontario’s cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Job Details

Position: Bioinformatician II

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Computational Biology (Genome Sequence Informatics)

Reports To: Senior Manager

Salary: Commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 35 hours/week

Job Type: Hybrid

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking two (2) experienced and passionate Bioinformaticians to join the Genome Sequence Informatics (GSI) team at OICR. The Bioinformatician functions in a junior to intermediate technical role that requires an individual with proven skills in both biology and computing, and who is dedicated to supporting a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, laboratory technicians, and informatics professionals.

GSI is part of the Genomics program at OICR (https://genomics.oicr.on.ca/) and supports the sequencing teams that manage clinical and research projects. GSI designs applications to streamline and automate analysis, manage the data lifecycle, and create useful and dynamic reports at scale. We ensure that data flows smoothly, securely and correctly from the lab through to the clinicians and researchers who use it. We use languages and software tools like Java, Python, Perl, Javascript, OpenStack, Open Grid Engine, Univa, MySQL and PostgreSQL.

The main areas covered by GSI are:

• Lab tracking: Develop the open source MISO LIMS (https://miso-lims.github.io) augmented by other applications.
• Pipeline/Data management: Develop and run workflow systems like Vidarr (https://oicr-gsi.github.io/vidarr/) and Cromwell (https://cromwell.readthedocs.io) to automate and streamline data analysis, tracking, and workflow management.
• Data release: Delivery of sequencing and analysis, archiving of data for long term storage and deposition of data to public archives.
• Reporting: Maintain of a suite of specialized reports for quality control, forecasting, and lab operations, and to accompany data delivery.
• Analysis: Development of analysis workflows to run in our pipeline system, and development of tools supporting analysis tracking and data management. Conducting project-specific analysis on sequencing data with an emphasis on cancer genomics, both for internal research projects and for collaborators.
• Cancer Genome Interpretation: Analyze and interpret genomic data using accredited pipelines and processes for clinical purposes.