Research Programmer, Genome Sciences Centre - BC Cancer - Vancouver

Research Programmer, Genome Sciences Centre
BC Cancer 
Vancouver, BC

Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)

Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Medicine.

The GSC is a department of the BC Cancer Research Institute and a high-throughput genome sequencing facility. We are leaders in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics in pursuit of novel treatment strategies for cancers and other diseases.

Among the world’s first genome centres to be established within a cancer clinic, for more than two decades our scientists and innovators have been designing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to benefit health and advance clinical research.

Among the GSC’s most significant accomplishments are the first publication to demonstrate the use of whole-genome sequencing to inform cancer treatment planning, the first published sequence of the SARS coronavirus genome and major contributions to the first physical map of the human genome as part of the Human Genome Project.

By joining the GSC you will become part of an exceptional and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, experts and professionals operating at the leading edge of clinical research. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness, respect—to join us on our mission to use genome science for the betterment of health and society.

Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) of the BC Cancer Research Institute is a state-of-the-art, large scale, high throughput, clinically accredited genomics and bioinformatics facility in one of the most beautiful, diverse and eclectic cities in the world.

As a Research Programmer within the Centre for Clinical Genomics Informatics team at the GSC, you will be responsible for technical support for clinical programs through development, testing and validation of clinical bioinformatics processes. The Research Programmer will report to the Process Development Coordinator and is anchored within a team of exceptional computational scientists and programmers, who collaborate directly on the development and maintenance of robust, cost efficient, and competitive clinical genomics pipelines. By working within the GSCs bioinformatics facility, you will collaborate with clinical and research computational biologists and programmers across bioinformatics groups, clinical lab staff and the quality assurance group to deliver clinical diagnostic genomic testing for patients in BC.

What you’ll do

• Work with team members to design, plan and implement testing and development of bioinformatics software and optimize existing workflows.
• Develop and maintenance of clinical genomic databases.
• Delivery of clear and concise documentation.
• Active participation in a team-oriented approach to improve efficiency and productivity.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor’s program in an appropriate discipline such as Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry, and three years of recent, related experience in a research and or clinical laboratory.
• Proven expertise with Python, R, and/or other similar high-level languages.
• Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as Git.
• Demonstrated experience with analysis of next generation sequencing data with an understanding of standards and guidelines for validating clinical bioinformatics analysis pipelines using these technologies.
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment, including experience with shell scripting and common command-line tools.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize work assignments and establish priorities to meet set milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to write technical documents including validations and procedure manuals.
• Experience with bioinformatic workflow managers and database development would be considered an asset.

You have:

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until February 9, 2026)

Salary Range: $67,861 - $97,550 per year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Z 1G1

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday; 0830-1630

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Requisition Number: 177976E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of January 15, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.