The Senior Scientist, Bioinformatics position supports the BC Centre for Disease Control, Public Health Laboratory (BCCDC PHL). Under this portfolio, the Senior Scientist is responsible for building a microbial genomics bioinformatics program that provides timely, accurate and innovative answers to public health questions. This position provides leadership in bioinformatics for microbial genomics and advanced molecular diagnostics for projects and programs at the BCCDC PHL and requires bioinformatics experience in next generation sequencing method, data manipulation and interpretation.

The successful candidate will have experience with tools such as samtools, bcftools, spades, Unix, BLAST, shovill, prokka, pubMLST, Docker, NextFlow/Cromwell/WDL/Snakemake, Git and GitHub, CI/CD, etc. The overarching role is to support the genomics/bioinformatics program by overseeing the development, operational implementation, and maintenance of microbial genomic testing and interpretation, alignment with the BCCDC/BCCDC PHL strategic priorities.

What you’ll do

• Acquire and analyze data related to emerging issues in public health to provide accurate and timely information to guide public health interventions and public health policy.
• Design, conduct, interpret and report on studies in relation to a variety of public health programs, ensuring outcomes appropriately inform decision-making. Collaborate with external and internal partners to better understand their needs and to gain support. Formulate data collection instruments and prepares project charters. Research and develop tools, templates and techniques for effective management of studies. Collaborate with investigators and other partners external to the BCCDC in developing and completing analyses and/or evaluations.
• Develops recommendations and policy advice by providing reports to the Service Line Medical Director.
• Prepare academic manuscripts and technical reports and disseminates findings including publishing work as required. Prepare abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for conference submissions. Represent BCCDC in presenting information at scientific conferences as required.
• Prepare reports and proposals for grant applications to funding agencies such as CFI, CIHR, NIH and NSERC. Participate in project proposal reviews and progress reviews.

What you bring

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a PhD in relevant field
• Seven (7) years of related research training/experience.

You will have:

• Advanced knowledge of relevant database, spreadsheet, statistical, graphical, presentation, communication and web software applications as appropriate.
• Superior analytical, problem-solving and system analysis skills including the ability to resolve complex issues and synthesize related data/information and present information in concise meaningful ways.
• Ability to direct complex and customized queries and reports.
• Ability to function in a self-directed manner.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a variety of people.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of stakeholders supported by an acute awareness of the impact of actions.
• Ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks.
• Demonstrated strong data and statistical problem-solving ability and judgment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in facilitating decisions and communications on input parameters into medical/scientific models.
• Demonstrated flexibility in responding to program and strategic priorities.