The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks applications for a Post-Doctoral Scientist 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. In addition to engineering, the Wasserman laboratory seeks to develop innovative bioinformatics methods for assessing the quality of and improving the library. The candidate will apply computational skills to develop computationally efficient and reproducible results for the detection of genetic variants across whole genome sequences, create methods to separate shared from not shared genetic variation data from related individuals, create methods to predict the number of novel genetic variants (compared to an existing background variation database), and develop procedures for assessing the presence of structural variants, initially detected in long-read sequencing data, in short-read whole genome sequence data, 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) and working with highly sensitive genetic data are strong advantages.
Work Performed
Conduct research by developing and applying computational methods for the identification and counting of DNA sequence variants in whole genome 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
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)
Apply via the UBC website listed above