Research Associate

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate

Department

Wasserman Laboratory | Department of Medical Genetics | Faculty of Medicine (Wyeth Wasserman)

Posting End Date

February 27, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Apr 15, 2026

The expected pay for this position is$7.083.33/month.

Job Summary

The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks applications for a Research Associate in the Wasserman Lab working on the Silent Genomes Project.  The Wasserman laboratory partners with a strong genetics community to develop and apply computational (bioinformatics) methods to improve diagnosis for individuals with rare genetic disorders caused by variations in genome sequences.  The Silent Genomes Project is a national collaboration focused on the establishment of an Indigenous Background Variant Library under Indigenous governance and oversight.  

Based on the campus of BC Children’s Hospital, the Wasserman laboratory is the lead laboratory for the technical implementation of the Indigenous Background Variant Library, including the implementation of software pipelines for processing whole genome sequence data generated at an approved genome centre, the implementation of quality control analyses, the construction of the database to host the generated genetic data and the implementation of the interface via which the data can be accessed by approved users.  The work, while computational in focus, requires close interaction with an Indigenous governance committee, collaborators and trainees.  The ideal candidate will apply computational skills to develop computationally efficient and reproducible results for the detection of genetic variants across whole genome sequences from hundreds to thousands of individual samples, establish and document standard operating procedures for such analyses, incorporate new innovative methods for detection of genetic variants (either for new classes of variants or using data from different sequencing techniques (e.g. long-read)), and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts, reports and funding applications.  Central to the work, is extraordinary attention to the sensitivity of the data being processed, with particular emphasis on the rights of Indigenous peoples and the central importance of adhering to the Indigenous governance procedures within the project. Experience with whole genome sequence processing and analysis, pipeline management software (e.g. Nextflow or SnakeMake) and working with highly sensitive genetic data are strong advantages. 

Organizational Status

This is a leadership role, requiring a high degree of independence, initiative and professional judgement.  The successful candidate reports to and receives guidance from Dr. W. Wasserman (Professor, Medical Genetics, Project Leader), with input and advice from Dr. L. Arbour (Medical Geneticist, Co-Project Leader) and Dr. Nadine Caron (Co-Project Leader) as needed.  The successful candidate supervises staff members and possibly University students or volunteers working on Silent Genomes.

Work Performed

• Conduct research and supervise projects in the subject of Applied Genome Analysis by developing and applying methods for the identification and counting of DNA sequence variants in whole genome sequencing data of 500-2,000 individuals
• Data management and tracking of next generation sequencing data
• 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
• Apply skills to improve the computational efficiency of genetic variation detection to allow analyses across a large number of samples
• 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
• Assist in the development of grant and scholarship applications related to the research
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports related to the research projects
• Work with the principal investigator to ensure that all scientific milestones are achieved
• Perform other related duties

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator’s laboratory and/or the 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.  Inaccuracies or incompleteness of data collection, or errors in the collection and handling of biological samples could result in erroneous data analysis and study results; therefore, it is imperative that the successful candidate is detail- oriented and very careful with their work.

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 direction and expertise to project team members, including research assistants, overseeing the daily activities of trainees, and directing a scientific computer programmer participating on the Silent Genomes project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in a computational or life sciences discipline
• Plus a minimum of 3 years demonstrated post-doctoral experience in bioinformatics with focus on genome sequence data processing and analysis
• Advanced in Python programming
• Knowledge of bioinformatics, with emphasis on genome sequence analysis and gene annotation
• Knowledge of scientific tools, technologies, and online resources for gene disease relationship prediction
• Proficient in performing analyses on high performance compute clusters involving job schedulers such as SLURM
• Experience directing computer programmers to oversee tasks to be completed by a deadline
• 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
• Enthusiasm for highly interdisciplinary research and dedication to explore emerging techniques
• Creativity, initiative, and good judgement for multi-tasking in a deadline-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in R statistics programming
• SQL database use via API interfaces and/or command line
• Experience with machine learning, such as logistic regression analysis or random forest classifiers
• Proficient with the Linux operating system
• Experience with using 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)