Bioinformatician (SOG/ST 7)

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Manager, Genomic Sequencing, the Bioinformatician will leverage their expertise in computational biology, data analysis, and programming to support a range of diagnostic and research projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bioinformatics, data science, and an understanding of biological processes, with the ability to analyze and interpret large, complex biological datasets.

In this role, you will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement algorithms, process high-throughput data and provide valuable insights to inform biological discoveries and clinical research.

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Sequencing outputs for result reviewed and submitted
• Bioinformatics training work plan designed and submitted
• Data analysis of datasets compiled and submitted
• Develop algorithms and pipelines for analyzing high-throughput data
• Technical advice provided
• Reports prepared and submitted

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

• Design and maintain standards and procedures for bioinformatics pipelines
• Review sequencing outputs for result submission
• Analyze sequencing output data for national research potentials
• Design suitable task specific bioinformatics training plans for the National Genomic Sequencing Facility team
• Perform data analysis of large biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics
• Develop, validate, and apply bioinformatic algorithms and pipelines to process and analyze high-throughput data
• Interpret results from statistical and computational models to generate biological insights
• Design and develop new bioinformatics tools, software, and scripts for data analysis
• Maintain and optimize existing tools and pipelines for efficiency and scalability
• Collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and other scientists to understand research questions and data needs
• Provide bioinformatics expertise and guidance to support ongoing research projects
• Manage large-scale biological datasets, ensuring proper data organization, storage, and quality control
• Handle and pre-process data from various experimental platforms, ensuring that data is accurate, standardized, and reproducible

COMPETENCIES

• Strong research, analytical and report writing skills
• Knowledge of Bioinformatics tools and software
• Expert in using Sequence alignment tools
• Working knowledge of next generation sequencing
• Expertise in utilizing statistical software
• Expert in the use of one or more programming languages (Python, R, Perl, or similar)

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Sequencing outputs for result reviewed and submitted within specified timeframe
• Bioinformatics training Work plan designed and submitted within specified timeframe
• Data analysis of datasets compiled and submitted within specified timeframe
• Develop algorithms and pipelines for analysing high-throughput data developed in accordance with established guidelines
• Technical advice provided are technically sound and timely
• Reports submitted are accurate, comprehensive and prepared in a timely manner

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Data Science, Genetics, or a related field
• (5) years' experience as a Bioinformatics or experience in data analysis, and/or computational biology, preferably in research or clinical setting
• Familiarity with high-throughput sequencing technologies is highly desirable
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and platforms (e.g., BLAST, Bowtie, STAR, GATK, Bioconductor, etc.)
• Proficiency with statistical analysis and data visualization tools (e.g., ggplot2, matplotlib, Seaborn, etc.)
• Experience with Linux/Unix environments, high-performance computing, and cloud computing (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)

The Ministry of Health & Wellness thanks all applicants for their interest; however, please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.