Computational Biologist, Genome Sciences Centre

Computational Biologist, Genome Sciences Centre

BC Cancer

Vancouver, BC

About the GSC

Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)

Today's Research. Tomorrow's Medicine.

The GSC is a department of the BC Cancer Research Institute and a high-throughput genome sequencing facility. We are leaders in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics in pursuit of novel treatment strategies for cancers and other diseases.

Among the world's first genome centres to be established within a cancer clinic, for more than two decades our scientists and innovators have been designing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to benefit health and advance clinical research.

Among the GSC's most significant accomplishments are the first publication to demonstrate the use of whole-genome sequencing to inform cancer treatment planning, the first published sequence of the SARS coronavirus genome and major contributions to the first physical map of the human genome as part of the Human Genome Project.

By joining the GSC you will become part of an exceptional and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, experts and professionals operating at the leading edge of clinical research. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness, respect—to join us on our mission to use genome science for the betterment of health and society.

Computational Biologist, Clinical

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.

What you'll do

• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, validation, running, and maintenance of clinical bioinformatics pipelines and related databases.
• Contribute to incorporation of third-party software into clinical bioinformatics pipelines, including:
  • identifying candidate software to consider
  • comparing software candidates to aid in selection
  • determining optimal parameters for the chosen software
  • developing interfaces to integrate the chosen software and
  • validating integration of the chosen software.
• Participate in the development of novel software solutions, as directed by the Assistant Bioinformatics Coordinator or Clinical Bioinformatics Coordinator.
• Participate in peer code review.
• Contribute to writing and updating official procedures and other documentation related to clinical bioinformatics pipelines.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science Program in either Biological Sciences or Computer Science.
• Two (2) year's of recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the GSC Group Leaders.

You have:

• Skill with Python or other similar high level languages.
• Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as Git.
• Demonstrated ability in R or other similar statistical programming languages.
• Familiarity with relational databases, such as PostgreSQL, and with ORMs
• Ability to program and run analyses in a production environment
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That's why we're focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, development programs to support you - at work and at home.

• Join one of BC's largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Wage: $37.89-$47.31 per hour.

Work Site: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 1G1

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday;

Requisition Number:166907E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

(PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people - Be compassionate - Dare to innovate - Cultivate partnerships - Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs:

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments' unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of March 10, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at or . Please note regular business hours are Monday - Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.