Computational Biologist - Software Development

Advancing Genomics Technologies for Health and Life Sciences

The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC), a provincial program within the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is a recognized international leader in genomics, bioinformatics, and genome technology innovation. By developing and deploying cutting-edge sequencing and computational platforms, the GSC supports breakthrough research across cancer, rare and infectious diseases, and the broader life sciences. Our work enables earlier diagnosis, novel therapeutic approaches, and transformative applications of genomics to improve human health and environmental resilience—delivering both social and economic impact through science.

Job Reference No. CB_P01066_HSA194506_SoftDev_2026_01_30

Job Summary

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Computational Biologist participates in developing, improving and maintaining bioinformatics tools for high-throughput processing pipelines. The Computational Biologist specifies, implements, tests and maintains bioinformatics computer applications and systems, and participates in the code walk-throughs and design and review of bioinformatics software solutions. The Computational Biologist will also assist in the packaging and distribution of developed tools and analysis results to the scientific community, and will contribute to the preparation of scientific publications.

Duties

1. Codes in Python and specifies, implements, tests, and maintains bioinformatics pipelines and applications as assigned.
2. Assists with devising or modifying systems to solve complex problems associated with high throughput pipelines, considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time and form of desired results.
3. Participates in code walk-throughs and reviews of the coded solutions to PEP8 standards.
4. Participates in the design and build of database and software solutions taking performance into consideration.
5. Coordinates production problem resolution for assigned applications, including working with other technical teams.
6. Evaluates third-party software and incorporates new systems into legacy systems.
7. Produces written documentation of algorithms, validations, SOPs, and other processes related to pipeline updates and procedures as required.
8. Presents results of bioinformatics software testing internally and externally.
9. Performs literature searches, testing and validation of new data analysis software related to bioinformatics pipelines.
10. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science Program in either Computer Science, Biological Sciences, or equivalent program.
• Two (2) years of recent related experience in a bioinformatic setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the GSC Group Leaders.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise with Python or other similar high level languages for application in data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to program and run analysis in a high throughput bioinformatics production environment.
• Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as GIT.
• Functional knowledge of Agile development and ticketing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work with bioinformatics workflow managers (e.g. Nextflow).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an Unix environment, including experience with shell scripting and common command-line tools.
• Demonstrated ability to develop software as part of a team.
• 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.

Benefits:

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, which includes statutory benefits - Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the PHSA group benefits plan which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, 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, 7.5 hrs. per day

Hybrid

Salary Range:  

Grid 9 - $37.89/hour for the 1st year - $47.20/ hour for the 6th 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 and grant fund availability.

Higher salary offers above the midpoint range require additional review and approval.

Apply:

As this is a union position, you will also have to apply either as an internal or external applicant through http://www.phsa.ca/careersusing the posting reference 194506.

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to Show email, using Job Reference No. CB_P01066_HSA194506_SoftDev_2026_01_30 in the subject line of your email.

While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Important!

COVID-19 vaccines protect against infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) that causes COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of high-priority immunizations recommended for health-care workers. Health care workers should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine immunizations. 

Please note all jobs at the GSC are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.

We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.

We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.