Description
The Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Bioinformatician / Computational Biologist / Senior Data Scientist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
This position will broadly support the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and International Microbiome Centre (IMC) in their mission to make ground-breaking discoveries that ease the burden of chronic and infectious disease. The successful applicant will be responsible for facilitating bioinformatics training and analyses that directly enable Snyder Institute and IMC research programs. They will work with the University of Calgary's Research Computing Services to integrate software development and data management activities with those of the broader bioinformatics communities at the University of Calgary and Cumming School of Medicine.
The Senior Data Scientist will analyze and visualize omics and multi-omics datasets with excellent standards of coding and documentation. They will develop and implement computational pipelines, statistical analysis plans, and standardized reports. The successful applicant will collaborate with investigators and laboratory personnel to synthesize project data, define analytical parameters, formulate analysis plans, and fulfill individualized training needs. This work will involve preparing specifications, explaining proposals, presenting scientific research findings, and assisting with the preparation of grants and manuscripts. The Senior Data Scientist will also contribute to non-course related teaching as part of Snyder / IMC (and other affiliated) bioinformatics workshops for staff and students.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Independently conduct bioinformatics and statistical analyses on specific research projects and assists scientists in making data-driven decisions in accordance with the relevant literature and standards of the field
- Works collaboratively with clients to devise appropriate analysis strategies, problem-solve or revise those strategies as needed, and ensure timely product delivery
- Develops and executes bioinformatics applications and semi-automated analysis pipelines within a scientific compute cluster environment
- Shows extensive understanding and commitment to continued learning of standards and technologies related to bioinformatics, computational statistics, and multi-omic science
- Responsibly allocates and accounts for time spent on what will at times be a high volume of projects with competing priorities and short timelines
- Produces high quality archives of well-documented code and procedures, educational materials, analysis reports, and publishable figures/text
- With other IMC-Data Science staff, co-develops and team-teaches in person and online bioinformatics workshops
- Maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards appropriate for clinical and human data
- Fosters a positive and productive work environment and maintains effective relationships with peers, senior leadership, and the campus community
- Undertakes and leads other duties associated with bioinformatics research and program support as directed by the IMC-Data Science Lead Data Scientist and Bioinformatics Theme Lead
- Supervision of direct reports including bioinformatics research associates in the Snyder Institute and IMC
- Is familiar with the University of Calgary's "statement on Principles of Conduct" and conducts themselves according to these principles in all situations when representing Snyder Institute/IMC or while acting on behalf of the University
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree and graduate degree (ideally PhD) in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science or related field of computational biology with approximately 5-10 years of experience in a recognized research or industry environment
- Strong skills in complex omics data analysis
- Highly desired areas of expertise include:
- Metagenomics/metatranscriptomics data analysis
- Single-cell -omics data analysis
- Multi-omic data integration and analysis
- Significant training and experience in applied and computational statistics
- Multivariate regression
- Machine learning / AI
- Bayesian methods
- Fluency with R, Unix, and at least one object-oriented programming language (e.g. Perl or Python)
- Practiced understanding of how to develop algorithms and bioinformatics pipelines
- Proficiency with version control and large scale data management
- Fundamental understanding of concepts and principles relating to cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics, with foundational knowledge of immunology and microbiome research
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as ability to facilitate interaction with scientists working in various disciplines (fluency in English is essential)
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and problem solving abilities
- Understanding of ethical conduct codes and standards related to specialization
- Experience teaching bioinformatics in a classroom/workshop setting is desired
- Knowledge of University core business systems is desired
- Project and personnel managerial skills
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Research Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments(equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
