Job Listings

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.

The Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL), in partnership with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MBIM) in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver seeks candidates for an Assistant Professor of Teaching with an expected start date of no earlier than January 1, 2026, and an annual salary within the range of $110,000-130,000. This recruitment marks a strategic expansion of our educational excellence. The successful candidate would join a team with deep educational leadership expertise within the combined MSL and MBIM, and receive mentoring and support towards career progression. Appointed within the Educational Leadership stream, the candidate is also expected to demonstrate a strong potential for educational leadership, as outlined by the Faculty of Science and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT). Envisioned by Dr. Michael Smith, a Nobel Laureate and a pioneer at the interface of biology and technology, the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL; https://www.msl.ubc.ca/) was one the first institutes in the world that recognized the power of scientists and engineers working together in interdisciplinary contexts. Our highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment supports faculty with focus in genomics, molecular biology, engineering, and biotechnology. Today, the MSL is home to a world class team of researchers with diverse expertise, from faculties including Science, Medicine, Applied Science, Forestry, and Land and Food Systems. UBC’s campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration. If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Marc Betsayda by email at hr@msl.ubc.ca. The closing date for applications is September 30th, 2025.  

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.

Job Reference no: CB_P01060_HSA186690_CCG_2025_07_18 Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is a state-of-the-art, large scale, high throughput, clinically accredited genomics and bioinformatics facility. If you have a Bachelor of Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science in biological science or computer science, as well as an interest in programming and human health, this is your opportunity to become involved in a team working with cutting-edge technology as a Clinical Computational Biologist. As a Computational Biologist, you will perform bioinformatics analyses and contribute to software development related to the operation of a large-scale clinical sequencing facility. The position is anchored within a team of exceptional scientists, computational biologists and programmers, which collaborate directly on the development of robust, cost efficient and competitive processes for new targeted and precision medicine analytical pipelines. Your work will help to save lives and contribute to a world free from the fear of cancer. By working within the GSCs bioinformatics facility, the successful applicant will develop close relationships with world-renown computational and genome science technologists, cancer researchers and medical scientists; have access to one of the most robust computational and next generation genome sequencing technology facilities in Canada, all while living in one of the most beautiful, diverse and eclectic cities in the world. This is an opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a science-oriented, creative and dynamic environment. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and significant career development opportunities.