Posting Expiry
Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer is an international leader in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics for precision medicine. By developing and deploying genome sequencing, computational and analytical technology, we are creating novel strategies to prevent and diagnose cancers and other diseases, uncovering new therapeutic targets and helping the world realize the social and economic benefits of genome science
Why work at the GSC
As the first genome centre to be established within a cancer clinic, our story began by thinking outside of the box. From being the first in the world to sequence the SARS coronavirus during the 2003 global outbreak to publishing the first study demonstrating the use of whole genome sequencing to influence personalized cancer treatment planning in 2010, our passion for pushing scientific frontiers continues to this day.
Our technology platforms enable the transformative science being done at the GSC. But it is our world-class team of scientists and innovators that make it happen. By joining the GSC you will become part of a diverse and dedicated group of biologists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, computational biologists, biochemists, engineers and clinicians. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness and respect—to join us in our mission to provide genomics, bioinformatics and proteomics technology and expertise for the benefit of human health and society.
We believe that diversity and inclusivity is essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science. We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Role Summary
The Morin and Scott laboratories are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to take a leadership role in an ongoing effort to resolve the molecular aetiology of aggressive lymphoid cancers using genomic techniques. This individual will work closely with a team of bioinformaticians, biostatisticians and clinician-scientists in a highly productive and stimulating research environment at a world-class research facility in Vancouver, Canada.
The successful applicant will apply cutting-edge bioinformatic techniques to analyze hundreds of terabytes of high-throughput sequencing data produced from clinical cancer samples, namely RNA-seq (bulk/single cell), whole exome, whole genome, and circulating tumour DNA sequencing data. This position demands a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology or data science. Detailed knowledge of cancer biology (particularly non-Hodgkin lymphomas) would be an asset.
Familiarity with algorithms for inferring clonal structure of tumours and network/pathway deregulation from sequence data is also desirable. Experience with machine learning, statistical modelling, survival analysis, and data visualization are all desirable. Characteristics of the ideal candidate include strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to remain organized in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The successful candidate will thrive in our highly collaborative setting while also being able to drive projects independently.
Diversity is an integral part of Canadian history, culture, and identity. In the Morin laboratory, we strive to maintain an equitable and inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are seen as added value in the unifying goal of reducing the impact of cancer.
The successful candidate will report to Drs. Ryan Morin and David Scott and will be affiliated with Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre at BC Cancer.
Key Responsibilities :
- Duties will include some combination of the following:
- Deploy pipelines to detect somatic alterations such as CNAs, SNVs, indels and structural alterations/fusion transcripts
- Perform clustering analyses on mutational and/or gene expression features to identify novel subgroupings
- Develop machine learning models for the accurate identification of somatic mutations in heterogeneous and/or noisy tumour samples (e.g. FFPE, unpaired, ctDNA)
- Identify cis-regulatory mutations using copy number, SV, and non-coding mutations
- Quantify mutational signatures de novo or using reference signatures for simple somatic mutations and SVs
- Model the effect of coding and non-coding mutations, respectively, on protein and RNA structure and function
- Resolve clonal substructure and track tumour evolution using tissue biopsies and ctDNA
- Identify gene expression or splicing features associated with clinical or genetic variables
- Create bespoke visualizations of high-dimensional genomic datasets
- Design and execute experiments and disseminate results through conference presentations and publications
- Contribute to the writing of grant applications and training of junior lab members
Qualifications
Suitable candidates should possess a PhD degree in bioinformatics, computer science, or molecular biology and must be competent in at least one programming language such as Python or R.
To apply
Applicants are requested to send a cover letter and CV to rdmorin@sfu.ca with LYMPHOMA-PDF in the subject line