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

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Job Summary
Primarily conduct bioinformatics data analysis, with some involvement in software development projects, in a highly interdisciplinary, dynamic and team-based environment. Participation in a range of projects will be expected, with the initial focus on a mult-omics analysis of a Schizophrenia cohort as part of ongoing collaboration. The position offers many opportunities to learn new skills and contribute to research on the genetics and genomics of human psychiatric and neurological conditions (including autism, schizophrenia and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder).

Organizational Status
The position is in the Pavlidis lab, based in the Michael Smith Laboratories at the Point Grey Campus.  Will work as part of a team in Dr. Pavlidis’ lab (approx. 15 personnel including trainees and staff).

Work Performed

We anticipate this position will mostly focus on data analysis, with some mix of software development, with proportions depending on experience, skills and interests of the candidate as well as needs. Particular anticipated roles:

• Conducts and supports bioinformatics and statistical analyses and interpretation of DNA and RNA sequencing and DNA methylation data in internal and collaborative research projects using appropriate software tools and custom programs and scripts.
• Documents and communicates analysis results in written and oral form.
• Modifies, tests and maintains software pipelines and standard operating procedures for bioinformatics data analysis.
• Modifies, tests and maintains web-browser- and command-line-based bioinformatics software and applications.
• Creates and maintains developer documentation.

Interacts with other team members to resolve problems, distribute tasks and plan future steps; contributes to team interactions by consultation, collaboration, teamwork and task-sharing.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Receives general direction from supervisors but is expected to exercise their own judgement and independence with respect to the execution of assigned tasks. It is expected that the individual will be a strong participant in the design and direction of the analyses and software development, not just following an existing specification.

This position must maintain reasonable standards of work quality and effectiveness. Failure to correctly perform analysis task can result in the failure of research projects and significant costs. Failure to correctly implement software could lead to rewriting of the code and lost time.

Supervision Received
Reports to Dr. Pavlidis and receives day-to-day guidance from the Senior Bioinformatician. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of specific project objectives.

Supervision Given
Expected to assist and advise other team members including students who are supervised by Dr. Pavlidis.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate Degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one year of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant disciplines would include bioinformatics, genetics, software engineering, or computer science.
• The most desirable skill set for the position is experience with statistical and computational approaches for the analysis of genomic and genetic data sets. Proficiency with Linux shell scripting, R, and/or Python is expected.
• Knowledge of other languages and frameworks that would be beneficial include R Shiny, Java and Javascript (e.g. Vue.js).
• Experience in developing bioinformatics software applications would be a plus.
• Must show initiative and independence in day-to-day work.
• Must have excellent spoken and written English communication skills.