Term computational biologist/bioinformatician position at Health Canada (remote)

[K Weedmark]

Hello, Colleagues.

 

I am looking to fill a term Senior Biologist (BI-3) position in my lab until mid-November 2021 (with possibility of term extension). This is a Computational Biology/Bioinformatics position for genomics data analysis and translational activities (ex: manuscript preparation, etc) for various projects for the Bureau of Microbial Hazards and our collaborators. 

 

Salary starts at $82,579/yr (+benefits) but may be higher depending on current employee status (https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/agreements-conventions/view-visualiser-eng.aspx?id=3#rates-bi). Additional details are below and attached.  I expect to complete interviews by the end of April 2021. Please pass this information along to potential candidates and feel free to circulate throughout your network as appropriate.

 

Kind regards,

Kelly

 

 

Senior Biologist – Genomics (BI-03)

 

The Bureau of Microbial Hazards, part of Health Canada’s Food Directorate, is seeking a Senior Biologist – Genomics (BI-03) for temporary opportunity until mid-November 2021 with the possibility of extension. While the lab is located at 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway (Ottawa, Ontario), the duties can be fulfilled remotely. The statement of merit criteria for the position is attached. Below I have provided some context for the position.

 

Interested candidates can send the following to kelly.w...@canada.ca

·         Cover letter (detailing your interest and suitability for the position as per the attached statement of merit criteria)

·         Current CV

·         Contact information for 2-3 references

 

 

The BMH Genomics Lab works very closely with both internal and external stakeholders (scientists, technical staff, bioinformatics staff, and students) to design and execute genomics experiments, generate high-quality sequence data (Illumina, Nanopore), and analyse data for food microbiology research and surveillance projects.  Some of these projects include:

·         Pathogen identification and characterization (for research and surveillance)

o   Genome assembly and annotation

o   Toxin gene identification and comparison

o   In silico MLST analysis

o   Phylogentic profiling

o   Anitimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp.

·         Metagenomics analysis of microbial populations

o   16S rRNA metagenomics for mixed bacterial populations

o   Whole Genome Shotgun metagenomics of foods and clinical samples

·         Optimization and evaluation of sequencing workflows to adapt for “lab-on-a-chip”

 

Duties of the position include:

1.       Significant bioinformatics analysis of genomic data (from small to very large data sets) using a Linux-based operating system and various bioinformatics/computational software and tools. At minimum, candidates should be familiar and comfortable using Linux computer to analyse genomic and data using existing bioinformatics tools.  Programming experience and is an asset (i.e. scripting for workflow automation, manipulating text files).  Experience using a high-performance computing cluster is an asset.

2.       Significant knowledge translation activities. This includes analysing data and preparing figures, manuscripts, and reports to share with the scientific community in the form of presentations, publications, and reports. Competencies for this include: good written and oral communication skills, ability to display complex data in meaningful ways (ex: figures, tables, etc), and ability to interpret genomic data. 

3.       Significant collaboration with supervisor, scientists, technical staff, bioinformatics staff, students, etc. This requires actively communicating with stakeholders to understand experimental needs and discuss options, to appraise the team of progress and issues, and to manage multiple projects concurrently.

4.       Possibly (although not anticipated): molecular laboratory work. This may include: molecular QA/QC, sequencing library prep, NGS sequencing using various platforms (ex: Illumina MiSeq, Nanopore MinION), and custom sample workups, and other genomics workflows. Attention to detail, dexterity, accuracy/precision, and excellent data management (lab books, electronic files, worksheets, LIMS) are key skills required for keeping track of both low- and high- throughput sample processing.

 

 STATEMENT OF MERIT CRITERIA:  Biologist III, Genomics (BI-03, 00146083)

1. Essential Qualifications

Education

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position such as microbiology, genetics or molecular biology, or bioinformatics (related to microbiology, genetics or molecular biology).

Experience

Experience producing scientific reports or manuscripts with a focus on bioinformatics or genomics.

Experience manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting genome sequencing data.

Experience developing, testing, and performing quality assurance with tools related to bioinformatics.

Knowledge

Knowledge of data collection and data management.

Knowledge of comparative genomics and gene annotation.

Knowledge of various techniques/tools for genome data manipulation (e.g. Python, R, etc.), analysis (e.g. creation of pipelines and phylogenetic trees, etc.) and data visualization (e.g. ggplot, matplotlib, etc.).

Abilities and Personal Suitability

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to research, analyze and synthesize information and provide scientific and technical advice.

Ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary scientific teams/working groups.

Ability to fulfill the bioinformatics component of a research project.

Ability to analyze genomic data using Python or R.

Effective Interpersonal Relations

Initiative

Judgment

Reliability

Thoroughness

Respectful of diversity

Linguistic Competencies

English essential

Condition(s) of employment

Security Level: Reliability status

2. Asset Qualifications

Asset Education

Post-graduate training (degree/diploma/certificate) from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position such as microbiology, genetics or molecular biology, or bioinformatics (related to microbiology, genetics or molecular biology).

Asset Knowledge

Knowledge of open source bioinformatics tools (e.g., BioPython, Snakemake, Nextflow).

Knowledge of software environment tools (e.g. Docker, Singularity, conda)

Asset Qualifications

The ability to independently learn and implement new analytical tools or libraries (e.g. building and packaging tools with Python or R)