Platform Manager, Canadian Bioinformatics Hub

Position: Platform Manager

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Adaptive Oncology

Reports To: Director, Adaptive Oncology

Hiring Range: $93,000 – $104,500 per annum, commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan (Sun Life), plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 35 hours/week

Job Type: Hybrid (2 days per week on-site)

Status: Full-time, Temporary (one-year contract, potential for renewal)

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is looking to fill an existing vacancy for a Platform Manager to join the Bioinformatics.ca team under the Adaptive Oncology program.

The Canadian Bioinformatics Hub (CBH) is a CIHR-funded initiative designed to establish a pan-Canadian network of training and community sites in six provincial regions with the aim to increase bioinformatics, computational biology and data science (BCBDS) capacity among researchers.

Currently hosted by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), Bioinformatics.ca will manage the development of the centralized CBH platform for the coordination of bioinformatics, computational biology and data science training opportunities. The platform will also coordinate community growth nationally through community building and networking activities, and provide career support through a mentorship program, professional skill development, and awards. The CBH aims to grow BCBDS capacity among all health and life science researchers, especially early career professionals and equity-owed professionals.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Platform Manager to provide strategic guidance, operational governance, and administrative execution of the CBH, to oversee the overall progress, as well as integration of the Platform’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) framework. The individual will also lead implementation and administration of the Platform’s virtual mentorship program.

Reporting to the Director of Bioinformatics.ca, who serves as both the scientific lead for the CBH and Chair of the Executive Management Committee, the Platform Manager will operate as part of the Executive Management Committee and will liaise closely with the Platform Advisory Committee (PAC), IDEA Committee, Partnerships Committee, Education Advisory Committee (EAC) and Community Outreach Committee (COC). This role is critical for harmonizing the activities across the committees to realize the CBH.

This position is temporary, full-time for one-year, with options for annual renewals.

Strategic Guidance:

• With the Director, develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for CBH, aligned with the priorities outlined by the Executive management and Platform Advisory committees.
• Provide senior-level guidance and administrative oversight across the operational committees, ensuring alignment with the platform’s overarching objectives and deliverables.

Platform Management and Coordination:

• Operationalize efforts of the Platform’s committees to ensure seamless integration of the deliverables and efficient platform execution.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive governance management plan and communication plan. Act as the key liaison between the platform’s committees and the Executive Committee and PAC, scheduling and facilitating effective and timely meetings.
• Lead the creation of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for each of the platform’s deliverables. Ensure alignment of each WBS with the broader CBH platform objectives while also embedding IDEA principles.
• Establish processes for tracking progress and budgets. Manage timelines, track budgets, and scope to ensure that deliverables and milestones are achieved as planned.
• Ensure the rigorous integration of the IDEA committee’s policies and framework across all platform dimensions. Establish processes for assessment of IDEA across the platform and conflict resolution.
• Oversee the web development team and their delivery of the CBH Platform’s web tools.
• Develop and maintain content for CBH website and brand as the top source for high-quality bioinformatics training opportunities from multiple training vendors, jobs, awards, mentorship, community events and resources in Canada. Oversee website upgrades.
• Coordinate communication efforts across the CBH. Oversee the CBH social media accounts and grow the communities engaged to include underserved communities.
• Coordinate and oversee organization of a bi-annual national bioinformatics conference, including management of scientific program, organizing committee, awards committee.
• Contribute to the CBH Platform’s sustainability by outreach to funding bodies and strategic partners, and by working with the Director to develop a strategic plan in support of the platform’s deliverables and long-term sustainability of the CBH Platform.
• Lead the design, development and deployment of the platform’s IDEA-centric mentorship program. Recruit and train mentors on the resulting mentorship system, and grow mentee use of the program.
• Perform other activities that arise over the course of establishing and managing the CBH Platform.

Reporting and Compliance:

• Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the platform’s performance and impact in training and community building.
• Provide performance dashboards and comprehensive reports to stakeholders at regular intervals.
• Compile and write annual reports on the CBH Platform. Ensure transparent and timely reporting to host institution, CIHR and other funding organizations, governing bodies, and stakeholders. Provide regular feedback to both Executive and PAC committees.
• Maintain records of platform activities, timelines, and milestones.
• Oversee internal audits and ensure the platform is compliant with all contractual and legal obligations.
• Facilitate the documentation of platform knowledge and conduct ‘lessons learned’ sessions at major milestones and closure. Ensure this knowledge is transferred across the committees, as well as to the Executive Management and PAC for future platform phases.

Position Requirements

• M.Sc. in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, molecular biology, biology or computer science, or recognized equivalent.
• Direct professional experience in leading development and implementation of medium to large projects, applying the latest project management standards and methods.
• Extensive experience with academic research environments and grant funding processes.
• Strong leadership and team management, skilled in working in a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
• Exceptional communication skills and a strong commitment to promoting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
• Proficiency in budget oversight and grant administration, providing reporting content to institutional administrative and finance teams to meet all contractual and legal obligations.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage large-scale development projects involving the negotiation and execution of agreements and contracts among multiple researchers, institutions, and partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, and to effectively prioritize a wide range of responsibilities.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and a high level of professionalism in working with internal and external teams, partner organizations and stakeholders to achieve specific outcomes.