Bioinformatics Research Assistant

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Bioinformatics Research Assistant to support the Uterine Health Research Lab in exploring vaginal microbiome data, cell-free DNA, and DNA methylation markers for endometrial cancer screening. The role focuses on SNV calling, benchmarking tools, and generating performance metrics within reproducible computational workflows.

You will work under the supervision of the PI, analyze high-throughput sequencing data, and contribute to literature-driven

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Foundational genomics and bioinformatics concepts are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in processing and quality-controlling high-throughput sequencing data, including read trimming, alignment, sorting, indexing, duplicate marking, and base quality score recalibration.
• Perform SNV calling and microbiome profiling from sequencing data using established bioinformatics pipelines.
• Benchmark variant calling tools by comparing performance, accuracy, and computational efficiency.
• Leverage databases and statistical tools to filter SNVs.
• Assist in developing and maintaining reproducible analysis workflows using Bash and Snakemake.
• Document analyses and results clearly for internal use and potential publications.
• Delegate responsibilities to undergraduate students and other junior lab members, providing guidance on pipelines and reproducible workflows.
• Attend team meetings and 1-on-1 meetings with PI and senior lab staff.

Skills

Bash scripting

Snakemake

Sequencing data analysis

Literature review

Education

Related training / college courses

Tools

Mutect2

Strelka

LoFreq

Snakemake

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Bioinformatics Research Assistant Department Talhouk Laboratory | Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $28.29 - $33.66 CAD Hourly Posting End Date August 20, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date February 28, 2027 This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University. At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The Uterine Health Research Lab in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking an experienced Bioinformatics Research Assistant who will support research exploring the utility of the vaginal microbiome individually and in combination with cell‑free DNA and DNA methylation markers, for improved screening and detection of endometrial cancer. The successful candidate will assist in analyzing high‑throughput sequencing data, focusing on single nucleotide variant (SNV) calling, benchmarking tools, and generating performance metrics. This position provides hands‑on experience in computational genomics, reproducible research workflows, and literature‑driven problem solving.

Organizational Status

The Uterine Health Research Lab is conducting ongoing research studies aimed at improving the prevention and early detection of gynecologic pathologies. The Bioinformatics Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI) to fulfill research‑related responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner. The research team is also part of the BC's Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, which is a world‑leading, interdisciplinary team working together to drive innovative research that transforms how we prevent, diagnose, treat and improve survivorship care for people with gynecological cancer.

Work Performed

• Assist in processing and quality‑controlling high‑throughput sequencing data, including read trimming, alignment, sorting, indexing, duplicate marking, and base quality score recalibration.
• Perform SNV calling and microbiome profiling from sequencing data using established bioinformatics pipelines.
• Benchmark variant calling tools by comparing performance, accuracy, and computational efficiency.
• Leverage databases and statistical tools to filter SNVs.
• Assist in generating and interpreting metrics to assess tool performance and data quality.
• Conduct literature reviews to identify best practices, tools, and methods relevant to the project.
• Assist in developing and maintaining reproducible analysis workflows using Bash and Snakemake.
• Document analyses and results clearly for both internal use and potential publications.
• Delegate responsibilities to undergraduate students and other junior members of the lab, providing guidance on bioinformatics pipelines protocols and reproducible workflows.
• Compile and interpret results and prepare a report of statistical findings.
• Attend team meetings and 1-on-1 meetings with the principal investigator and senior lab staff.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Bioinformatics Research Assistant will be granted substantial independence in their role and must demonstrate exceptional judgment, responsibility, and initiative in conducting data analysis and ensuring the successful and timely completion of tasks.

Supervision Received

The Bioinformatics Research Assistant will report to Dr. Aline Talhouk.

Supervision Given

The Bioinformatics Research Assistant may help to supervise undergraduate students.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, molecular biology, or related fields
• Foundational knowledge of genomics and bioinformatics concepts, particularly SNV calling using Mutect2, Strelka, LoFreq.
• Strong command of Bash scripting and experience with workflow management tools such as Snakemake.
• Ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature.
• Experience benchmarking computational tools and interpreting performance metrics.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document findings and present results, and strong attention to detail.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].