Computational Biologist, BioApplications

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_P01067_HSA201948_BioApps_2026_07_23

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 will participate in the analysis of sequencing data by developing, refining and adapting bioinformatics tools for a high-throughput processing pipeline.  The Computational Biologist will also participate in the development and maintenance of the production databases, which provide tracking of all of the laboratory and bioinformatics analysis pipelines at the GSC.  Additionally, the Computational Biologist will assist in the packaging and distribution of developed tools and analysis results to the scientific community, and will be contributing to the preparation of scientific publications.

Duties

1. Assists in the development and maintains the core sequence analysis pipelines at GSC, including but not limited to:
   1. QC of sequencing data;
   2. Alignment of sequenced reads;
   3. Formatting and manipulation of alignment files for use by downstream pipelines (e.g. merging, reheadering);
   4. Dissemination of data to collaborators;
   5. New analyses pipelines as required.
2. Assists in the development and maintains GSC laboratory, quality and analysis databases, including:
   1. Routine database integrity checks and database maintenance;
   2. Development of views and interfaces for data entry;
   3. Development of reports for internal users and collaborators;
   4. Investigation of new frameworks and designing new schemas and tables.
3. Communicates with stakeholders in the lab, on analysis teams, and with external collaborators to understand and document requirements for development and to respond to questions about collaborator data and data quality.
4. Works with upstream and lab teams generating data to be housed in the database, and with downstream users of the databases to meet requirements, and responds to internal requests for query and API support.
5. Participates in the development and maintains ETL pipelines between GSC production databases.
6. Manages the storage and compression of over 5Pb of internally generated sequencing data as well as the download and storage of external data.
7. Works closely with GSC Systems team and Quality Assurance team to establish and carry out best practices for data security, and ensure compliance with ISO 27001 certification, CAP/DAP clinical accreditation requirements and other data use agreements.
8. Tests and validates new data analysis software for analyses such as alignment, duplicate marking and merging.
9. Participates in code walk-throughs and reviews of solutions.
10. Participates in the design and builds database solutions, taking performance into consideration.
11. Coordinates production problem resolution for assigned applications, including working with other technical teams.
12. Produces thorough but concise written documentation of database tables, applications, validations, SOPs, and other processes and procedures as required.
13. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Science or equivalent with significant computer science components.
• Two (2) years of recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the GSC Group Leaders.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in database programming and database design.
• Demonstrated ability in Python.
• Experience designing and/or maintaining a relational database including knowledge of SQL or PostgreSQL, and with ORMs.
• Experience with REST API development.
• Experience with front-end web development (AngularJS, React).
• Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as GIT.
• Experience developing software as part of a team, familiarity with Agile development and ticketing systems.
• Comfortable working in an Unix environment, including experience with shell scripting and common command-line tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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:  

P1 - $40.19/hour for the 1st year - $50.20/ 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 200948.

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to Show email, using Job Reference No. CB_P01067_HSA201948_BioApps_2026_07_23 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.