Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Bioinformatics

Please refer to reference number PDFO-59068 when applying for this position.

 

Description

The Department of Urologic Sciences at The University of British Columbia, Canada invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the laboratory of Dr. Alex Wyatt located at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver.

The Wyatt lab studies the genomics of prostate and bladder cancer (see our website: https://blogs.ubc.ca/wyattlab). Our goals are to establish the clinical impact of cancer genomic subtypes, to develop new biomarkers for guiding therapy selection, and to study disease evolution in response to therapy. We leverage deep sequencing and custom bioinformatics tools to interrogate serial tissue and liquid biopsies from patients enrolled on ongoing clinical trials and biobank protocols. In particular, we have pioneered the use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to characterize the genomic and epigenomic features of metastatic cancers. We regularly develop novel methods to utilize deep targeted sequencing with custom cancer panels and deep whole-genome sequencing for DNA analysis; and transcriptomics, methylation analysis and cfChIP-seq for epigenomic assessments. We work closely with oncologists, urologists, and diagnostic laboratories to ensure our research findings are translated to the clinic.

We are looking for an individual with demonstrated experience in cancer genomics to lead correlative analyses of clinical ctDNA datasets, as part of a close-knit scientific team. A background in cancer bioinformatics is important, but the candidate will also have a strong foundation in cancer biology, since this is required to interpret computational results. Familiarity with oncology practice and clinical translation of research is an asset. The fellow will be working within a large highly-trained team where they have the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of individual skillsets including healthcare professionals at the forefront of precision oncology.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political Procedures to Employment Advertising Policy (HR11) September 2019 version 1 belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Starting salary will be commensurate with experience, in the range of $70,000 - $90,000 per year plus benefits.

Qualifications

  • A PhD and/or MD. Relevant topics include cancer biology, bioinformatics, computer science, molecular medicine, molecular biology, or similar.
  • A track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals
  • Experience with Linux/Bash and Python (or similar) for data science, modeling, and visualization of complex data
  • Knowledge of cancer biology, clinical oncology workflows, and analysis of multi-omics sequencing data.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a scientific team
  • Fluent in oral and written English

Responsibilities

  • Independent research of high-international quality including journal publication and presentation at major conferences
  • Analysis of sequencing data, including targeted DNA and whole-genome sequencing as well as transcriptomics data
  • Assisting with grant applications and protocol preparation, as well as ethical approvals
  • Co-supervision of undergraduate and graduate students
  • Collaborate with an international network of clinicians and data scientists

How to apply:

Applications should include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter explaining interest in the position, and highlighting your publications and experience most relevant to the position. Please use link provided to upload cover letter and CV. Apply here

Please provide a list of at least 2 academic or professional references (names, contact information).

The target start date is Q3 – Q4 2026. We will accept applications until the position is filled.

How to apply?

Please send applications to dus.hr@ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-59068.

Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.