Bioinformatics Programmer

LifeLabs is the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada, serving the healthcare needs of Canadians for over 50 years. Our team members are truly centred around our customers, and we know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us.

Consistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, LifeLabs has also been recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. The passion and commitment of over 6,000 diverse and innovative team members unites and motivates us to ensure our customers receive high quality tests and results that they can trust. Agile, customer-centred, caring and teamwork: we live these values every day in what we do to support our customers and healthcare providers, driving forward our vision of empowering a healthier you.

At LifeLabs, we are focused on our vision of building a healthier Canada We are the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada with over 350 collection centres, 21 laboratories and service over 19 million patients each year.

Caring, Agile, Customer Driven, One Team - We live our values every day in what we do to help our patients and healthcare providers. With over 5,000 employees, we all make a difference and that's why our people are so important to us.

This is an exciting time to join our LifeLabs team, grow your career with us and support numerous business initiatives, innovations, best practice and business development opportunities.

The Bioinformatics Programmer designs, implements and test programs, workflows and solutions for the Laboratory Information Management Systems (Clarity and Gepado) that are used to manage data in our lab. The Bioinformatics Programmer will also provide programming solutions for systems integration and automation of clinical diagnostic data, and work to build pipelines for the analysis of NGS data.

This is a temporary full time position until05/09/2025 located at 175 Galaxy Boulevard, Toronto.

Job Description:

Implement, test and manage the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is used to manage data and workflow in clinical specimen acquisition
Handle next generation sequencing (NGS), data acquisition, analysis and reporting processes and help develop pipelines for these processes
Using Python design and implement code to support the LIMS, bioinformatics pipelines and analytical processes
Design and execute test plans on applications and record, verify and document results
Manage multiple databases using PostgreSQL, SQL Server and other databases
Coordinate activities with internal IT teams as well as external partners and suppliers to implement, interface and configure Genetics Lab applications and database development, testing and operations
Administer and maintain servers running Linux and Windows
Provide subject matter expertise in areas of database, tuning, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, developments, support, documentation of standards and procedures for the administration and maintenance of all supported environments.
Support our internal lab group by providing expertise in the LIMS workflows and bioinformatics applications in use at Lifelabs Genetics.
Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Software Engineering or related field. A bachelor's degree would be considered along with relevant experience
1 - 3 years of experience of coding experience, preference will be given to candidates with experience in bioinformatics
Minimum 2 years' experience in Python is preferred
Excellent understanding of full IT solution development life cycle (SDLC), and proven experience participating the in the design, development, and implementation of complete IT business solutions
Understanding of human genetics and molecular biology strongly preferred
Strong working knowledge of software engineering practices
Academic or working experience with molecular techniques, including PCR and DNA sequencing, NGS experience preferred

This is an in-person role.

Hiring Range:

The hiring range has been established, however, the final salary recommendation will be determined based off the level of experience, education requirement, external market conditions and internal equity.

Employee Benefits:

Retirement Savings Plan:

Vacation Entitlement:

Employee Wellness:

LifeLabs offers an award-winning Wellness Program focused on supporting your total health and well-being under our physical, emotional, and financial wellness pillars. We have been recognized in the industry for our focus on mental health supports.

Employee Giving program:

Designed to support any employee who donates, fundraises or volunteers for a Canadian Registered Charity or Non-Profit Organization.

In addition, LifeLabs offers professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs - WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc. - and Optional Health-related Benefits.

We are committed to the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and have taken steps to strengthen our commitment to our team members and customers, to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.

At LifeLabs, we know that we are Stronger Together and that we will benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member offers.

Make a difference - join the LifeLabs team today

At LifeLabs, we strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where our team members and the communities we serve feel accepted, valued, and respected.

In accordance with
LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, your recruiter or email
careerslifelabs.

Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs’. Vaccinations may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be fully vaccinated with the current Government approved COVID-19 vaccinations.