Genetic Epidemiologist or Statistical Geneticist

Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology firm is seeking a Genetic Epidemiologist or Statistical Geneticist to join their multidisciplinary team in Montreal. The ideal candidate will conduct large-scale genetic analyses, manage scientific projects, and work collaboratively across disciplines. Required qualifications include significant experience in genomic analyses and proficiency in Python. This role provides a competitive salary, remote work opportunities, and a generous benefits package including stock options and vacation days.

Benefits

Generous stock option plan

Vacation of at least 15 days per year

Budget for conferences and courses

Budget for fitness equipment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in human genomics analyses that must include GWAS and Mendelian randomization.
• Experience working with multi-omic data, including proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming in building robust analytical workflows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct varied genetic epidemiology analyses, including GWAS, MR, ExWAS, WGS, PRS, PheWAS.
• Collaboration with bioinformaticians, clinicians, and statisticians in a multidisciplinary team.
• Present clear, insightful information for clients and colleagues as needed.

Skills

GWAS

Mendelian randomization

Python programming

Bioinformatics tools

Statistical concepts in genetics

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics, Genetic Epidemiology, or Statistical Genetics

Tools

PLINK/bcftools

GCTA

Regenie

AWS

GCP

Job description

Overview

Genetic Epidemiologist or Statistical Geneticist

Location: Hybrid in Montreal or remote in Canada only. Relocation and immigration support are available for candidates interested in living and working in Canada.

About 5 Prime

5 Prime Sciences uses insights from human genetics to accelerate drug development. For the past 4 years, 5 Prime has helped large pharmaceutical companies, biotech and venture capital companies accelerate and de-risk their drug development pipeline. This effort has enabled our partners to move from target to Phase 2 in two years in some instances, achieving our mission of helping to deliver medicines to patients in need.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Genetic Epidemiologist or Statistical Geneticist to join our multidisciplinary team advancing genetics-first drug discovery. You will conduct large-scale genetic analyses, including GWAS, MR, and multi-omic QTL studies, using individual- and summary-level data. Your role will involve building reproducible analytical workflows in Python, applying core statistical methods, and employing best practices in version control, containerisation, and data provenance. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, experience with population-scale genomics datasets and bioinformatics tools, and the ability to manage multiple scientific projects. You will work closely with colleagues across disciplines and contribute to clear, insightful client communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct varied genetic epidemiology analyses, including GWAS, MR, ExWAS, WGS, PRS, PheWAS.
• Analyse multi-omic quantitative trait loci (QTL), spanning proteomics (pQTL), transcriptomics (eQTL), and metabolomics (mQTL).
• Extract, transform and load individual- and summary-level data.
• Demonstrate creativity and original thinking in bioinformatic problem-solving.
• Employ best practices for reproducible research, including code versioning, containerization, and data provenance.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians, clinicians, software developers, and statisticians in a multidisciplinary team.
• Present clear, insightful information for clients and colleagues as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Significant experience in human genomics analyses that must include GWAS and MR.
• Experience working with multi-omic data, including proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics.
• PhD in Bioinformatics, Genetic Epidemiology, Statistical Genetics, or a related field.
• A firm understanding of core statistical concepts in genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics (hypothesis testing, regression, multiple-testing correction, causal inference).
• Experience with manipulating and analysing individual-level data from large population cohorts such as UK Biobank, All of Us, or MVP.
• Experience in using bioinformatics tools for manipulating and analysing large human genomics datasets such as PLINK/bcftools, GCTA, and Regenie.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming in building robust analytical workflows.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Other Qualifications

• Industry experience in early-stage drug discovery or translational genomics.
• Experience with cloud computing environments, e.g. AWS, GCP, DNANexus.
• Experience with Nextflow workflow development, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with genetic resources such as gnomAD, GTEx and Open Targets.
• Proficiency in shell scripting in a Unix/Linux environment.
• Experience with software development practices, e.g. version control (Git), unit testing and code documentation.
• Experience with AI-assisted coding tools and workflows (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude) to enhance productivity, code quality, and documentation.

Why 5 Prime?

• Join a visionary company at the forefront of drug development that is currently partnering with the largest pharmaceutical companies and biotech VC in the world, including Eli Lilly, GSK, and Third Rock Ventures.
• Collaborate with a talented and passionate team of professionals in clinical medicine, human genetics and bioinformatics, and software development.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of health care through the acceleration of drug development.

Benefits

• Generous stock option plan in a company that has been profitable from inception and not VC funded.
• Vacation of at least 15 days per year.
• Regular paid trips to Montreal for non-Montreal based employees.
• Budget for conferences and/or courses.
• Budget for fitness equipment and for home office equipment.

5 Prime is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The expected compensation for this role is between CAD $110k to $200k depending on experience.

Keywords: GWAS, mendelian randomization, genomics, drug development, human genetics

Posted on: September 24, 2025

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