This position has an initial appointment of 1 year, with possibility of renewal.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.
Under the direction of the Director, Advanced Cell Exploration Core, the Bioinformatics Analyst will be a member of the services team at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) Core Research Facilities. Supporting more than 200 research groups annually, our mission is to facilitate impactful research through access to cutting edge infrastructure and services from project design to data analysis.
This position will perform advanced bioinformatics analyses that enable the interpretation of data generated by various biological assays to support research projects conducted in the FoMD Core Facilities. The successful incumbent will analyze and visualize datasets with excellent standards of coding and documentation. In consultation with the Director, Advanced Cell Exploration Core, they will develop and implement computation pipelines, statistical analysis plans, and standardized reports. The successful applicant will collaborate with principal investigators, research trainees and staff, and other FoMD Core staff to synthesize project data, define analytical parameters, formulate and execute analysis plans, and fulfill data delivery and visualization requirements. They will also contribute to user training, including the delivery of non-course related teaching including bioinformatics workshops for staff and students.
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.
Data Analysis Support and Services:
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Perform customized bioinformatics analysis work and prepare related visualizations and reports. Ensure computational workflows meet project-specific timelines, scientific standards, and contract obligations.
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Lead the design and implementation of innovative computational pipelines to conduct analysis of genomics, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics data using common workflow engines. Package the analysis pipelines using container technologies. Test and deploy analysis workflows on computing cluster and cloud environments.
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Collaborate with research teams and software engineers to design experiments and computational analysis plans, analyze and visualize data, and interpret results.
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Assist users with data visualization and interpretation, supporting researchers in understanding complex datasets.
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Establish data quality assurance standards for computational pipelines, including accuracy, reproducibility, and scalability.
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Develop tracking mechanisms and maintain project documentation to ensure delivered analyses and visualizations are scientifically rigorous and reproducible.
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Assist with the management of internal core facility databases to ensure research security and data quality.
Training and Education:
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Collaborate with the Director to design modules and deliver training via workshops, summer courses, and undergraduate/graduate lectures.
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Provide professional expertise and technical guidance to help trainees select tools, apply bioinformatics solutions, and interpret genomic results.
Administration and Organization:
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Prepare project quotes, service cost estimates, and assist leadership with cost analysis and service pricing.
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Manage several analysis projects at the same time and accurately track and report time spent on different assignments.
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Minimum BSc in computer science, bioinformatics, or computational biology. Candidates with a BSc in cell biology, genetics, or biomedical sciences with additional relevant bioinformatics experience or certification will be considered. Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) preferred.
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Documented prior experience analyzing genomics and high-throughput sequencing data including quality control, normalization, clustering, and trajectory inference.
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Demonstrated experience with integrating datasets, data visualization and interpretation.
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Experience integrating imaging and omics data sets is an asset.
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Demonstrated ability in R or other similar statistical programming languages for biological data analysis and visualization is required.
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Proficiency in at least one of the following: Java, Python, and JavaScript and ability to write shell scripts to automate tasks. Experience running jobs in an HPC environment.
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Familiarity with workflow management systems such as Nextflow is a strong asset.
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Strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in statistical analysis is an asset.
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Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and strong customer service skills for interacting with researchers, facilitating collaboration and service delivery is required.
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Familiarity with laboratory techniques and data management, ensuring inappropriate data can be detected before starting analysis.
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Demonstrated experience in managing priorities and setting realistic expectations is required.
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Attention to detail, excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to organize, analyse and communicate scientific data is required.
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Must have good technical writing skill to document code and applications.
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Experience in lecturing at workshops, tutoring students or official teaching experience is an asset.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently in a multi-tasking and multi-disciplinary environment to support a variety of bioinformatics and data science-related projects.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 to $79,339.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
