Data Manager (12-month Contract)

Our Mission

DNAstack’s mission is to accelerate precision medicine and research by developing and providing innovative software solutions for genomics and multi-omics data. We aim to make complex biomedical data more accessible, interoperable, and actionable, thereby empowering researchers, clinicians, and institutions to derive meaningful insights and improve health outcomes. DNAstack is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery through collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to privacy and data security.

 

The ASAP CRN Cloud

The ASAP Collaborative Research Network (CRN) is the first of its kind to foster an environment that facilitates the rapid and free exchange of scientific ideas to spark new discoveries for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The CRN is an international, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional network of collaborating investigators working to address high-priority science questions. Teams are awarded grant funding through request for applications in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).

The ASAP CRN Cloud is a data-sharing tool co-developed by DNAstack which gives researchers the tools to explore data all the way down to the individual cell level. It facilitates the sharing of data from over 30 research teams focused on PD functional genomics, neuro-immune interactions, and circuitry and brain-body interactions.

 

What You’ll Do

As Data Manager, you will drive data platforming onto the ASAP CRN Cloud by owning the data acceptance phase of the data release process. Reporting to the Director of Partners and Programs, and working closely with the Senior Program Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring researchers in the CRN are supported and prepared to connect their data to the ASAP CRN Cloud. You will initiate and maintain strong relationships with multiple external research teams and collaborators, and be seen as the primary point of contact during data preparation and curation.  

You’ll liaise closely with internal teams across project management and bioinformatics to prioritize tasks, manage dependencies, and ensure smooth execution. You’ll also regularly engage with external partners to provide progress updates, facilitate discussions, problem solve, and support decision-making.

In addition to overseeing the overall data readiness timelines and execution, you’ll also track progress and handle reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability to our partners. You'll anticipate risks, develop mitigation strategies, and embed data management best practices into project workflows.

Your work will directly contribute to advancing cutting-edge research in PD while ensuring efficient and effective collaboration between stakeholders.

Who You Are

• You’re a highly organized and detail-oriented data manager who thrives on handling multiple workstreams at once. You have a strong desire to keep projects moving and ensure teams are aligned. You’re a clear and confident communicator who is able to adapt their delivery to the needs of the audience; you are comfortable liaising with world-renowned scientists, and also presenting to business stakeholders. 
• You enjoy collaborating with people and are known for bringing a kind and empathetic lens to your work. You have deep interest in data and research and are driven to instill organisation and clarity to disparate datasets.
• You’re process-driven and unafraid to handle the admin that keeps everything on track— spreadsheets, agendas, decks and reports. You are dedicated to keeping records and communicating regularly with your team to ensure clear and constant knowledge sharing. You have a natural curiosity, are unafraid to ask questions, and a strong desire to improve processes and workflows.
• You display persistence and take initiative to ensure your deliverables stay on track, while also adapting to changing timelines and scope. You thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment and are excited to contribute to meaningful work in genomics and PD research.

Where You’ll Work

• This is a remote-first role, however we offer the flexibility of a hybrid work environment, where you can also work in-office at the DNAstack office in Toronto
• We will consider applicants from other provinces and from the United States

Responsibilities

• Own and drive data platforming onto the ASAP CRN Cloud, ensuring the successful execution of data releases.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for research teams including owning outreach and engagement, providing materials, and following-up as needed. 
• Coordinate calendars and schedule meetings with research teams and other stakeholders.
• Track data platforming progress and ensure processes and timelines are being followed.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to share progress.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders including internal program management, bioinformatic teams, and external collaborators to ensure a well-organized platforming process.
• Identify potential data platforming risks and identify solutions to stakeholders.
• Organize and host regular external meetings with research teams and sponsors, including preparing agendas and presentations, taking minutes, and sending succinct and actionable summary communications.
• Support internal knowledge-sharing by regularly participating in internal meetings and communication channels to share updates and flag risks to internal project team.

Skills

• Extremely organized with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent collaboration and relationship building.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication.
• Self-driven and able to work independently, while also maintaining transparency within teams. 
• Proactive problem solver - showcases creativity in addressing challenges, offering solutions to complex problems.
• Quick learner and curious team player, someone who is unafraid to ask questions.  
• Adaptable and flexible, is able to adjust priorities based on changing needs while maintaining strategic commitments.
• Comfort working across teams and managing multiple priorities.
• Comfort and preference for working with project management tools e.g. Asana, ClickUp, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in a health-related or science-related field (neuroscience preferred).
• 3+ years of clinical and/or professional experience related to data management (e.g. with clinical trials, in an academic lab or other research environment).
• Experience working with researchers in an academic setting.
• Strong proficiency with standard digital tools (e.g. Google Workspace, Zoom, Excel).

Preferred Requirements

• Previous employment within a small, agile team e.g. startup or small lab.
• Previous experience working with Parkinson’s data or other neuroscience data. 
• Previous experience in project management.
• Knowledge expertise in genomics, or bioinformatics is an asset.

Benefits

• Remote friendly with flexible hours.
• Opportunity to contribute to open science and global data-sharing efforts.