Bioinformatician-The Bigger Picture & Your Impact
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, and Coast Salish Teachings, and the strategic directions of PHSA, safety both patient and employee is a shared responsibility and a core priority, with a continuous commitment to quality and safety embedded in all aspects of this role.
At the Cancer Genetics and Genomics Lab (CGL), innovation meets impact. From single-gene testing to advanced next-generation sequencing and whole genome-based hereditary cancer panels, we’re redefining clinical genomics and cancer care across the province.
Join a highly specialized, collaborative team and play a key role in shaping precision medicine. As a Bioinformatician, you won’t just maintain systems, you’ll drive automation, optimize workflows, and advance cutting-edge genomic technologies.
You’ll be joining a highly specialized and collaborative group within the Cancer Genetics and Genomics Lab, including laboratory geneticists and scientists, genomic specialists, technologists, and technical leaders all working together to deliver high-quality genetic testing for cancer patients.
What you’ll do
- Lead bioinformatics pipeline optimization- Oversee the implementation, customization, and continuous improvement of bioinformatics tools, databases, and variant analysis workflows while leveraging automation to enhance efficiency, scalability, and data quality in a clinical genomics environment
- Integrate systems across the lab ecosystem-Design and support interfaces between sequencing instruments, robotics platforms, and Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS) enabling seamless data integration, minimizing manual intervention, and strengthening data integrity and traceability
- Advance clinical genomics and validation-Partner in clinical test development and validation by curating datasets, automating analytical workflows, generating robust summary statistics, and supporting accreditation and quality assurance requirements
- Drive innovation through data and research-Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and scientific literature to enhance bioinformatics pipelines, improve variant interpretation, and support the evolution of precision medicine
- Strengthen quality and performance metrics-Monitor pipeline performance and clinical outcomes, contributing to quality reporting, continuous improvement initiatives, and compliance with clinical and regulatory standards
What you bring
Qualifications
You’re not just technically strong—you’re motivated, adaptable, and ready to make an impact:
- Advanced education & domain expertise-PhD in Human Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field, plus recent relevant research experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Molecular Genetics contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong programming & systems knowledge-Python (pandas, NumPy, Biopython), R (Bioconductor), Bash/Unix, and experience with Linux environments, HPC, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP). Experience with containerization (Docker/Singularity), workflow orchestration (Nextflow, CWL, WDL), and version control (Git).
- NGS & genomics expertise-Deep experience in NGS data analysis (DNA-seq, RNA-seq, scRNA-seq), variant calling (e.g., GATK), genome annotation, and differential expression analysis
- Data, algorithms & statistics-Strong foundation in computational methods, algorithm development, and biostatistics, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
- Database & data management skills-Experience working with relational databases (SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL) and managing large-scale biological datasets
- Proven analytical capability-Experience developing computational workflows, applying statistical methods, and working with complex biological datasets
- Genomics knowledge-Hand-on experience in human genome analysis and quality assurance within a research or clinical environment
- Collaborative mindset-Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
- Self-starter energy-You thrive working independently, take initiative, and are motivated to continuously improve systems and processes
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Temporary Full-Time (Until March 2028 or Until Return of Incumbent)
Salary Range: $90,770 - $130,481. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Z 4E6
Closing Date: Applicants accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 08:00-16:00/08:30-16:30/09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday
Requisition #: 197327E
This is more than a technical role! It’s a chance to influence the evolution of clinical genomics in a growing, innovative environment. You’ll have the autonomy to build, the support to collaborate, and the purpose of knowing your work directly contributes to better cancer care. To learn more reach out to [email protected] or apply online!
What we do
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Attention current employees of PHSA:
You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.
The internal job posting expires on April 17, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.
If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].
