Bioinformatics Analyst

The Canadian Center for Computational Genomics (C3G) at McGill University offers a stimulating and rewarding working environment, where projects bring concrete contributions to the advancement of research in fields such as human health and the environment. Our team is composed of people who are passionate about what they are doing. We work with data from cutting-edge sequencing technologies using high-performance computing equipment. Learn more about why McGill is an exciting place to work: https://www.mcgill.ca/careers/why-mcgill

Under the direction of the Bioinformatics Manager, the Bioinformatics Analyst will be a member of the services team at Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics (C3G), an official core facility hosted at the McGill Genome Centre (MGC). The chosen candidate will perform advanced bioinformatics analyses that enable the interpretation of data generated by various biological assays, in addition to supporting the development of analysis pipelines at the platform. Working closely with other members of the McGill Genome Centre, the chosen candidate will be exposed to a wide variety of novel and exciting sequencing technologies, bioinformatics approaches and state-of-the-art computing resources in a facility dedicated to high-throughput sequencing and large-scale genomic studies.

• Perform customized bioinformatics analysis work and prepare related visualizations and reports.
• Provide professional expertise and advice to students on application of bioinformatics solutions for the analysis of genomic datasets. Offer support and guidance in selecting appropriate analytical tools, applying them effectively, and interpreting their results.
• Estimate timelines and periodically report on progress to users and management.
• Assist in the design of scientific experiments and computational analysis plans.
• Leverage the existing literature to identify previously successful analytical workflows and stay informed of the most relevant bioinformatics practices.
• Participate in the authoring of scientific publications.
• Manage several analysis projects at the same time and accurately track and report time spent on different assignments.
• Contribute to data analysis and problem-solving discussions with colleagues.
• Regularly meet with core facility users to discuss their needs and present results.
• Provide input for the update and extension of the bioinformatics tools and software methods used or developed at the C3G.
• On a regular basis, give oral presentations to colleagues on the progress of projects.
• Teach at training events organized by the platform, provide help desk consultations and contribute to other platform outreach or promotional activities.

• Prior experience in analyzing and interpreting results of various omics data types is needed, especially around single-cell and spatial assays.
• Ability to collaborate with biological scientists on omics-intensive research is essential.
• Demonstrated experience with the R language for biological data analysis and visualization is a requirement.
• Basic Unix shell scripting skills and experience running jobs in an HPC environment are required.
• Familiarity with workflow management systems such as Nextflow is a strong asset.
• The ability to understand and write basic Python code is an asset.
• A solid understanding of one or more areas of biology, such as cancer, immunology or genetics, is very important.
• A good understanding of statistics and key concepts of experimental design is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in managing priorities and setting realistic expectations is required.
• Attention to detail, good communication and organizational skills and ability to work in a highly interactive group is required.
• Experience in lecturing at workshops and tutoring students is desirable.
• The ability to write and speak effectively using the English language is required. Spoken and written French is an asset.