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
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
Please submit application via UBC website at above URL