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.

Job Reference No. ABC_P00183_HSA154648_Software Development_2024_01_16

Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Assistant Bioinformatics Coordinator provides supervisory and technical support to the Bioinformatics group of the Genome Sequence Centre (GSC). Ensures that the day-to-day activities of a large scale, high throughput facility meet research, data analysis throughput and software development objectives.

Duties

1. Assists the Bioinformatics Coordinator in the day to day activities of the Bioinformatics group by performing duties such as providing input on quantity and quality of work, making recommendations for improvements, workflow and procedures.
2. Coordinates projects of the Bioinformatics group by performing duties such as chairing project-specific meetings and provides project status reports to the Bioinformatics Coordinator, with suggestions towards any required improvement of project management, task allocation and overall process.
3. Develops and implements assays to monitor project progress and measure project accomplishments to ensure that appropriate project focus is maintained and to provide feedback to staff.
4. Provides supervisory support to the Bioinformatics group by performing duties such as:
    a. Orientating new staff.
    b. Providing input to the Bioinformatics Coordinator on training requirements.
    c. Providing input to the Production Coordinator on the establishment of clear definitions of responsibility for employees.
    d. Assigning workload assignments and establishing work schedules.
    e. Reviewing and establishing work priorities and adjusting work schedules to ensure priorities are met.

    f. Completing performance reviews and addressing performance issues in conjunction with the Production Coordinator.
5. Participates in the recruitment of staff through methods such as interviewing internal and external applicants and forwards hiring recommendations.
6. Participates in the development and implementation of quality improvement programs to ensure services are provided in the most efficient and effective way by performing duties such as:
a. Monitoring quality and quantity of service and information provided by the bioinformatics group and identifying areas for change and/or improvement.
b. Generating test metrics to evaluate progress of research programs.
7. Assesses practical needs for identified research direction of the GSC in conjunction with the Bioinformatics Coordinator and Analysis Group Leader.
8. Participates in a variety of meetings by performing duties such as providing and/or receiving information and contributing to decision making.
9. Participates, in conjunction with the Bioinformatics Coordinator, in determining the computer infrastructure necessary for successful completion of projects and ensured viability of research programs by performing duties such as providing input and recommendations regarding purchasing decisions related to hardware, software and related items for the Bioinformatics platform.
10. Interprets statistical analyses and makes recommendations for review including preparing reports on statistical findings for publication and presentation in HTML format or as advised.
11. Conducts feasibility studies for computerization by performing duties such as determining user requirements, examining and identifying problems with existing systems and recommending modifications to and/or new systems; provides details of estimated implementation costs including associated staffing requirements.
12. Performs technical functions related to the bioinformatic functions of the GSC.
13. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor’s program in a related discipline such as Biochemistry, Genetics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Physics.
• A minimum of four (4) years of recent related experience including experience in computer programming and quantitative data analysis, handling biological sequence and/or mapping data, database development and data storage schemas or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the GSC Group Leaders.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience with computer operating systems such as Linux, UNIX.
• Demonstrated ability to work with software such as C, C++, Perl , Matlab, MySQL.
• Demonstrated ability to accept responsibility and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and schedule work.
• Excellent organizational, leadership interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

Benefits

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, which includes statutory benefits - Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the BC Cancer group benefits plan which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, 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, 7.5 hrs. per day

Wage: 

$39.26 to $48.88 per hour for the 6th year

The salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan and the HSA Collective Agreement.

Application

As this is a union position, you will also have to apply either as an internal or external applicant through http://www.phsa.ca/careers using the posting reference 154648.

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using Job Reference No. ABC_P00183_HSA154648_Software Development_2024_01_16 in the subject line of your email.

While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Important!

COVID-19 vaccines protect against infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) that causes COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of high-priority immunizations recommended for health-care workers. Health care workers should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine immunizations. 

Please note all jobs at the GSC are based onsite in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.

We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.

We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.