Area : Medical Genomics/Bioinformatics

Duration : 1 year with possibility of extension

Start Date : Immediate

Salary : Commensurate with experience

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Medical Genomics/Bioinformatics.

Here, we are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral research fellow with a strong background in genomics/bioinformatics/computational biology to drive development of tools for variant calling and interpretation in individual genomic backgrounds from the perspective of identifying genetic factors that contribute to variable expressivity and reduced penetrance of rare genetic disorders (genetic modifiers/genetic interaction identification).

This position offers the candidate a unique opportunity to be exposed to the multidisciplinary team (model organism researchers, molecular geneticist, clinicians, bioinformaticians and scientists), as well as multidisciplinary approaches and to contribute innovative research with a substantial direct translational potential.

Job Description:

• Assessing existing and developing innovative approaches for detection of genetic modifiers in human and model organism genomes
• Processing and interpreting the next-generation sequencing (short and long-read sequencing data)
• Keeping up-to-date with scientific advances (e.g. relevant literature review, scientific meetings)
• Designing projects and experiments
• Compiling, analyzing and integrating diverse sets of data (e.g. phenomics, genomics, transcriptomics)
• Work with the PI to ensure that all scientific milestones are achieved
• Communicating results: conference presentations, manuscripts, reviews, collaborators nationally and internationally
• Working collaboratively with team members to provide summary reports of research progress and milestones
• Providing supervision and mentorship to bioinformatics trainees.

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Genome Sciences, Medical Genetics/Genomics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics or related disciplines awarded within the past 3 years
• Extensive knowledge of genomics and genetics
• Extensive knowledge of Unix, Linux, R, Python and/or related programming languages (e.g. Perl)
• Knowledge of the machine learning approaches (e.g. Graph Neural Network)
• Experience with Cluster Computing
• Proven ability to work in a confidential environment
• The candidate is expected to show
  • Drive and enthusiasm to both lead and work as a member of a team
  • Creativity, initiative and good judgment for multi-tasking in a deadline oriented environment
  • Effective oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to learn new skills quickly
  • Enthusiasm for highly interdisciplinary research and dedication to explore emerging techniques
  • Accuracy and attention to detail

Application Details:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter with research interests, brief statement on their future goals, and fit with the group¿s research focus, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference to Maja Tarailo-Graovac at maja.tarailograovac@ucalgary.ca. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is identified.

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).