Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Academic
Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining
Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department
Wasserman Laboratory | Department of Medical Genetics | Faculty of Medicine (Wyeth Wasserman)
Posting End Date
March 30, 2025
**Note**: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Mar 31, 2026
The expected pay for this position is $5,000.00 per month.
Organizational Status
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 expertise to project team members, including University students and other trainees participating on the Silent Genomes project.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator and/or 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.
Work Performed
Establish clear documentation and standard operating procedures for others to follow
Interact with an Indigenous governance committee composed of individuals of diverse experience, including research, governance and non-research backgrounds
Interact closely with clinicians to explore how a reference database of genetic variation could best support the diagnosis of individuals with rare genetic conditions
Present findings in local, national and international meetings involving Indigenous health and/or Indigenous research topics; meetings at which awareness, sensitivity and commitment to Indigenous data sovereignty must be conveyed effectively
Present findings at local, national and international scientific meetings where the impression can have direct influence on future scientific funding
Write manuscripts describing the findings and bioinformatic methods output from the research
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in a computational or life sciences discipline
Experience in bioinformatics with focus on genome sequence data processing and analysis
Knowledge of bioinformatics, with emphasis on genome sequence analysis and gene annotation
Advanced in Python programming
Proficient with the Linux operating system
Proficient in performing analyses on high performance compute clusters involving job scheduling queues
Demonstrated capacity to write scientific manuscripts
Demonstrated capacity to maintain and share software in GitHub or similar repository
Excellent interpersonal manner and communication skills, including clear, concise writing skills
Excellent organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail
Drive and enthusiasm to both lead and work as a member of a team
Creativity, initiative and good judgement for multi-tasking in a deadline-oriented environment
Enthusiasm for highly interdisciplinary research and dedication to explore emerging techniques
Preferred Qualifications
Proficient in R statistics programming
Use of project management tools for scientific interaction, such as wikis or shared document repositories - Confluence preferred
Indigenous lived experience or substantive understanding of the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada or abroad
Research experience in Indigenous health and/or research will be considered an asset
Successful completion of Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) online tutorial (may be completed upon hiring)
Successful completion of an Indigenous Cultural Safety Course (may be completed upon hiring)