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.