Computer Specialist - Biostatistics

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 103,911 - 130,061; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Council Canada invites applications for a role focused on biostatistics and bioinformatics to analyze large-scale biological data. You will develop statistical models, integrate multi-omics data, and build web-based tools for data visualization and exploration.

Collaborating with researchers and data analysts, you will optimize computational pipelines for high-throughput data and contribute to methodological innovations in genomic research.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Life Sciences with strong biostatistics/bioinformatics skills.
• Demonstrated experience applying advanced statistical methods to large biological datasets.
• Experience with data mining, integrative data analysis, data visualization and interactive computational environments.
• Experience developing bioinformatics tools, algorithms, pipelines and software solutions including databases in bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Support and advance biostatistical research and bioinformatics projects analyzing large-scale biological data.
• Develop and implement advanced statistical models and bioinformatics tools; integrate multi-omics data.
• Collaborate with researchers and data analysts to design data-driven projects and optimize pipelines for high-throughput data.
• Contribute to development of novel statistical methodologies and visualization platforms.

Skills

Biostatistics

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Data visualization

Web-based tools

High performance computing

Education

B.Sc. in Life Sciences

B.Sc. in Statistics or Computer Science

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Saskatoon

Organizational Unit: Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

Classification: CS-3

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

This position will be instrumental in supporting and advancing biostatistical research and bioinformatics projects within a collaborative environment, focused on analyzing large-scale biological data. The incumbent will manage the development and implementation of advanced statistical models and bioinformatics tools, with an emphasis on applying innovative computational approaches to complex biological datasets. This includes tasks such as integrating multi-omics data, conducting multivariate and Bayesian analyses, and developing web-based platforms for data visualization and manipulation.

The successful candidate will collaborate with research officers, and data analysts to design and execute data-driven projects, contributing to the development of novel statistical methodologies and bioinformatics solutions. As part of a multidisciplinary team, they will ensure that the statistical and computational pipelines are optimized for high-throughput biological data, enabling breakthroughs in areas such as association mapping, genomic selection, and predictive breeding. The role requires not only technical expertise in bioinformatics and statistical modeling but also effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

B.Sc. in Life Sciences combined with strong biostatistics/bioinformatics skills, or B.Sc. in Statistics or Computer Science combined with extensive experience in biological applications.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in applying advanced statistical methodologies to large, complex biological datasets
• Hands-on experience with various statistical methodologies, including dimension reduction, multivariate analysis, Bayesian inference and linear and non-linear modeling
• Experience in data mining, integrative data analysis, data visualization, and the development of interactive computational environments
• Experience with the development and implementation of bioinformatics tools, algorithms, pipelines and software solutions including database resources in the area of bioinformatics
• Experience developing web-based applications for data analysis, manipulation, and visualization
• Experience working with plant, microbiome and/or agricultural datasets would be considered an asset
• Experience with the following data types would be considered an asset: short-read and long-read sequencing, RNA-seq, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, targeted and untargeted metabolomics, and datasets associated with ingredient functionality and sensory evaluations.

Experience is defined as within the last two (2) to six (6) years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques, such as dimension reduction, multivariate analysis, Bayesian inference, and linear/non-linear modeling, to analyze complex, high-dimensional biological data.
• Applied knowledge of developing and tailoring statistical models to address specific biological questions, with a focus on high-dimensional and complex datasets.
• Expertise in data mining, integrative data analysis, and visualizing complex biological datasets, as well as developing interactive computational environments to facilitate data exploration.
• Applied knowledge in creating web-based tools and platforms for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization to support biological research and integrative data analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of the distributed and parallel High Performance computing environments

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Technology support - Client focus (Level 2)
• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Support

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $103,911 to $130,061 per annum.

Benefits

• NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (23176) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: 19 August 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.