Bioinformatics Training Lead

The Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL) is a CIHR-funded 15M$ initiative designed to establish a collaborative framework for the management and sharing of human genomic data. Hosted and managed through CGEn’s three nodes at McGill University, SickKids and BC Cancer’s Genome Sciences Centre, the PCGL project aims to establish a ground-breaking platform that will unify Canada’s human genome sequencing efforts and set out a federated data management system that leverages international standards and respects limitations on the jurisdictional and cultural movement of human genetic data.

As the host of Bioinformatics.ca who is the lead of PCGL’s training working group, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a Bioinformatics Training Lead to be responsible for development and delivery of a genomics and bioinformatics training program for PCGL involved groups and members across Canada. The role involves developing relationships with healthcare providers, researchers, and trainees from diverse communities to evaluate their skill gaps in understanding and using human genomic data for research and health benefit. The role will collaborate closely with the Bioinformatics.ca team to co-develop training programs in fundamental concepts like data management and ethical considerations when working with genomic data, as well as work independently to develop training programs specific to PCGL needs. The goal  of PCGL training is to generate a workforce capacity in genomics.

This position is temporary, full-time for two (2) years with the possibility of renewal.

• Establish and nurture working relationships with involved groups/training audiences across the country to assess knowledge gaps and training needs. Monitor emerging PCGL outputs and research, and PCGL community needs for new training opportunities.
• Co-design training curricula with expert faculty and the Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops (CBW) to build skills in diverse audiences in genomics, bioinformatics and their application in PCGL to further health outcomes.
• Develop learning materials and resources which address PCGL knowledge needs and audiences. Develop and facilitate delivery of new training programs to address PCGL training needs, integrating with CBW where appropriate.
• Manage the logistics and facilitate the delivery of PCGL training across Canada, whether in-person or virtual and coordinating with CBW where appropriate.
• Evaluate trainings through post-training online surveys and qualitative feedback, summarize findings to continuously improve training materials.
• Maintain a repository of training materials, content and resources at PCGL or Bioinformatics.ca, updating and managing the associated sites where appropriate.
• Complement in-person or virtual training with a portfolio of online training for PCGL learners, converting existing training content into online learning materials.
• Identify opportunities to train new faculty to further capacity building in support of PCGL.
• Oversee the communications of PCGL training activities in collaboration with involved groups to ensure the success of training on capacity building and to grow the communities engaged with PCGL inclusive of underserved communities.
• Seek and determine fit of innovative learning and networking approaches to enhance the participant experience at PCGL training events and expand the community.
• Oversee the budget for PCGL training offerings in keeping with PCGL and OICR fiscal requirements.
• Participate in PCGL review meetings ensuring accountability, educational leadership and impact of the training working group.
• Represent PCGL/Bioinformatics.ca and ensure competitiveness at the Global Organisation for Bioinformatics Learning, Education and Training (GOBLET), ISCB and other standard setting or best practice training organizations through participation in committees, working groups, and conferences.
• Perform other training and outreach activities that arise over the course of the PCGL project.

• Master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics or computer science, or recognized equivalent education and/or work experience.
• Some experience in teaching, training, public outreach, online help and/or event planning is required.
• Excellent English communication skills, written and verbal, both to facilitate effective communications with collaborators and training participants.
• Highly self-motivated, able to work independently, and work well as a part of a team.
• Comfortable facilitating and hosting training events, delivering presentations and workshops to scientific audiences.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent computer skills, specifically in Windows, MacOS and Unix/Linux, but also with conferencing and communication apps, as well as spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software.