Position Overview
The Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Bioinformatician in Microbial Metagenomics. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Bioinformatician in Microbial Metagenomics will report directly to Western Canadian Microbiome Centre Principal Investigator.
The Western Canadian Microbiome Centre (WCMC), funded through Western Economic Diversification and the University of Calgary, focuses on three areas of applied microbiome research: new diagnostics and therapeutics for human health, nutritional value of food, and non-conventional energy resources. Bridging several Departments and Institutes within the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), four newly-recruited founding faculty are launching research programs investigating diverse aspects of how the human gut, respiratory, and urogenital microbiotas affect human health, particularly in pregnancy and early childhood. State-of-the art facilities at the WCMC include a high-capacity germ-free core, systems for live-imaging that are unique worldwide, and numerous high-level “omics” technologies supporting studies of the human immunobiome, proteome, metabolome, and metagenome.
This position will broadly support one of the WCMC research programs aiming to harness the microbiome to promote maternal-child health. The successful applicant will join a highly interdisciplinary team focused on developing and applying computational methods in microbial metagenomics. The team uses state-of-the-art applications of high throughput sequencing to assemble the genomes of uncultivated species, identify bacterial sequences that could potentially serve as diagnostic markers, and probe how genomic rearrangement occurs in human ecosystems. The Bioinformatician in Microbial Metagenomics will support the continued development of methods for resolving genomes from metagenomes, performing comparative and functional genomics analyses, and curating pan-genomic sequence databases.
Position Description
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Works closely with the PI and other members of the lab to develop and troubleshoot software
Implements version control for safeguarding and promoting the efficient development of code
Maintains compute environments that enable standardized, replicable analyses
Oversees systems for data storage and back-up
Builds databases that link and compile various types of data
Prepares software packages (including source code, help documents/wikis, and web or GUI interfaces) for public dissemination
Provides bioinformatics support and training to research staff and trainees with varying computer science backgrounds
Delivers helpful, professional, and timely one-on-one assistance
Attends and sometimes leads small group meetings relating to the selection, use, and development of relevant bioinformatics tools
Contributes to the advancement of the labs scientific knowledge and practices relating to computational analysis of the microbiome
Conducts bioinformatics analyses in support of specific research projects and grant applications
Produces data reports, summaries, and graphics
Generates tables and figures for publication, and contributes technical writing for manuscripts and grants
Accountability for appropriate documentation, reporting and data management
Liaises with other WCMC/CSM bioinformaticians, system administrators, and staff at the University of Calgary, and contributes to the development of best practices, procedures, and methods in informatics at CSM
Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
Fosters a positive and productive work environment
Qualifications / Requirements:
A Bachelors degree and a MSc or PhD in a relevant area
2-5 years of experience in a recognized research environment
Excellent understanding of concepts and principles of molecular biology and next-generation sequencing
Practiced understanding of how to develop complex software packages and bioinformatics pipelines
Knowledge of at least one scripting language (i.e. Python or Perl)
Fluency with Unix and an object-oriented programming language (i.e. C++, Python)
Proficiency with a statistical language such as R
Experience with data management and dataset manipulation
A firm understanding of relational database concepts
Strong verbal and written communication skills (fluency in English is necessary)
Excellent time management skills and the ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated leadership, communication, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
Excellent Python language skills, including experience with numpy, scipy, python-drmaa, sqalchemy, matplotlib, desired
Excellent R language skills, desired
Familiar with SQL and experience using both SQLite and PostgreSQL, desired
Knowledge of and/or background in microbiology/microbiome research, desired
Experience in microscopy and scientific image analysis, desired
Proficiency in web site design and maintenance, desired
Application Deadline: October 27, 2016
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
Additional Information
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase II.
To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to become one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. Ranked as the top young university in Canada and North America, the University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary believes that a respectful workplace, equal opportunity and building a diverse workforce contribute to the richness of the environment for teaching, learning and research, and provide faculty, staff, students and the public with a university that reflects the society it serves. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
TO APPLY:
If you have the skills and experience required for this position, please forward your resume to:
E-mail: hrhire@ucalgary.ca