Computational Research Programmer

Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO); Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in infectious disease research is seeking a dedicated Computational Research Programmer to join their innovative team. This role focuses on developing computational strategies using high-performance computing to advance vaccine and therapeutic designs. The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, leveraging their expertise in programming and data analysis to contribute to groundbreaking research. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a leading organization committed to addressing global health challenges through cutting-edge science and technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in computational research.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with HPC platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement workflows to automate analyses using programming languages.
• Process and analyze 3D protein structures relevant to vaccine design.

Skills

Python

R

C++

High-Performance Computing

AI and Machine Learning

Data Management

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

BSc in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

HPC Clusters

GitHub

Job description

120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E3

contract . April 29, 2025

Description

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.

Position Overview

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) seeks a dedicated Computational Research Programmer to join the computational structural immunology team as part of a broader VIDO computational initiative, for a 2-year term position. The successful candidate will develop computational strategies that leverage high-performance computing (HPC) to execute advanced computational analyses directed at delivering novel molecular designs of vaccine antigens and therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Solution Development: Design and implement workflows to speed up/automate our analyses using programming languages (Python, R, or C++). Install and configure open-source tools by compiling source code from repositories like GitHub, ensuring compatibility with lab systems.
• Structural Data Analysis: Process and analyze 3D protein structures from databases such as the Protein Data Bank (PDB), focusing on protein complexes relevant to vaccine design and antiviral development. Leverage HPC clusters to perform large-scale computations, such as running parallel simulations, conducting high throughput docking and MD simulation, and handling big data workflows (e.g., parallel processing of structural datasets across multiple nodes).
• AI Model Development: Design, develop, and implement AI and machine learning models, and create an end-to-end AI solution from data collection to model deployment. Optimize algorithms and models for performance, reliability and accuracy. Document technical specifications and processes
• Data Management: Organize and curate interactions within datasets of protein structures and ensure accessibility for future AI training and tool development.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of computational and basic life scientists and trainees, contributing to reports, presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum BSc in the field of Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
  
  

Skills

• Strong analytical, computer, and problem-solving skills
• Experience or exposure to high-performance computing platforms (CPU and GPU)
• Able to operate independently with limited supervision to resolve problems
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in related field preferred
• Comfortable working in a cross-disciplinary, team-based research environment
  
  

Status: 2-year term, with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: Non-Union

Shift: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition

Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable

Education/Credential Verification: Yes

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information visit: vido.org

Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.