Bioinformatician / Data Scientist

The Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Bioinformatician/Data Scientist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Bioinformatician/ Data Scientist reports to and receives directions from the Associate Dean, Research. This position exists to provide expert bioinformatic support and training to Faculty members and their research teams in the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). The Bioinformatician/Data Scientist will be involved in a variety of projects across the faculty, however will have significant impact across the university.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated candidate interested in applying their bioinformatics skills to support a wide range of basic and applied research projects. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine encompasses a diversity of research programs requiring bioinformatic support that includes research in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, microbiomes, infectious disease and immunology, and clinical applications.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Working with the Associate Dean, Research, developing strategic and long-range planning to support a variety of research projects within the faculty
• Provides bioinformatics support and training to principal investigators, research staff and trainees
• Undertakes bioinformatic consultation and analysis on specific research projects
• Provides statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities such as genetic/genome analysis, microbiome analysis, measurement of gene and protein expression, and gene function determination
• Development and provision of student and postdoc training workshops in application of bioinformatics workflows in biological research (this will be done together with a team of UCVM researchers experienced in research areas involving bioinformatics)
• Participates in the development of bioinformatics applications and analysis pipelines
• Liaises with UCalgary Advanced Research Computing regarding computing infrastructure (e.g. servers and storage)
• In collaboration with investigators, will contribute to grant planning, writing and manuscript preparation (which can provide the opportunity for co-authorship on publications)
• Liaises with bioinformatics groups in other Faculties as well as central computing support at the University of Calgary
• Demonstrates communication, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Interacts with facility/service users and lab members in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance
• Fosters a positive and productive work environment
• Undertakes other duties associated with bioinformatics research and support as directed by the Associate Dean, Research
• Familiar with the University of Calgary’s “statement on Principles of Conduct” and conducts themselves according to these principles in all situations when representing UCVM or while acting on behalf of the University.

• A masters degree in a relevant area is required; PhD preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a recognized research environment
• Postdoctoral research experience is considered an asset
• A combination of education and experience may be considered
• Expert understanding of concepts and principles of molecular genetics/biology
• Proficiency with Python or other interpreted programming language
• Working knowledge with commonly used software for genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics
• Proficiency in a statistical language such as R and a solid background in statistics is considered an asset
• Experience with single cell RNA-sequencing, genetic diversity and/or microbiome workflows are considered assets
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to facilitate interaction with scientists working in various disciplines (fluency in English is necessary)
• The ability to work independently as well as demonstrated teamwork skills, strong organizational, management and excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Demonstration of teaching bioinformatics to students at any level will be considered an asset