Genetics Analysis Specialist

Socket.dev; Halifax; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

IWK Health in Halifax seeks a Genetics Analysis Specialist to combine genetics/genomics expertise with bioinformatics and project management. The role supports clinical genomics testing, education, and research collaborations within the Clinical Genomics Laboratory.

The successful candidate will work under the Chief of IWK Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, contributing to timely, clinically actionable results and advanced data analysis in a dynamic, patient-centered environment.

Qualifications

• MSc in genomics, bioinformatics or genetic counselling.
• PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics or related field may be considered.
• 2+ years experience with clinical genomics data and data repositories.
• Experience developing NGS bioinformatics pipelines/tools and variant pathogenicity classification.
• Experience with human genetics data in research or clinical settings.

Responsibilities

• Combine genetics/genomics, bioinformatics and biomedical research with project management experience.
• Collaborate with clinical partners and education/research groups to deliver results.
• Be accountable to the Chief of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at IWK Health.

Skills

Genetics/genomics

Bioinformatics

Project management

Data management

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Patient-centered care

Safety awareness

Education

MSc in genomics, bioinformatics or genetic counselling

PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics or related field

Tools

NGS pipelines

Variant calling tools

Public data repositories

Job description

Company :IWK Health

Req ID: 226995
Department/Program: Clinical Genomics Research, Research Services
Location:Halifax
Type of Employment: TemporaryHourly FT long-assignment (100% FTE) for 12 monthsx 1position(s)
Start Date: 19-Oct-26
Union Status:Research, Management/Non Union Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $41.4467 - $50.3128/hour
Closing Date: 28-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity

The Clinical Genomics Division provides full-service integrated molecular and cytogenetic testing. In collaboration with the Maritime Medical Genetics Service and other clinical partners, the Division ensures timely and clinically actionable results required for appropriate patient care. The Genomics Laboratory also fosters positive relationships in education and research. The Clinical Genomics service has built partnerships with many research groups and provides teaching opportunities for Dalhousie University medical school students, residents, and fellows, as well as clinical placements for students in Genetic Technology training program.

The Genetics Analysis Specialist position is a full-time position and is a staff member of the Clinical Genomics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at IWK Health. The successful candidate will combine understanding and expertise in genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, and biomedical research with experience in project management.

The laboratory specialist will be accountable to the Chief of IWK Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

Hours of Work

Monday - Friday,37.5 hours per week

Your Qualifications

• Candidates will have a MSc in genomics, bioinformatics or genetic counselling and experience working with clinical genomics data.
• Candidates with a Ph.D. in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, genetics, or related field, and relevant experience may be considered.
• At least 2 years’ experience, with developed comprehensive understanding and expertise in navigating multiple public data repositories, familiarity with commonly used algorithms for alignment and variant calling; experience developing NGS bioinformatics pipelines/tools; experience in variant pathogenicity classification (mainly ACMG, familiarity, with AMP guidelines will be considered an asset) as correlated with patient clinical findings; and experience developing content for clinical and research applications utilizing NGS.
• Experience working with human genetics data in research or clinical setting (preferred)
• Experience in research related to human genetics or experience with genetic variant curation and interpretation of clinical relevance
• Experience writing and editing scientific materials for external audiences
• Data management expertise (including scientific, genetics/genomic and/or medical data)
• Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Proven excellence working in a team environment with strong interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, develop and maintain effective relationships within healthcare teams
• Demonstrated flexibility and the ability to manage change in a dynamic environment (work assignment, procedures, priorities)
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of patient and family-centred care
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to patient and staff safety at IWK Health

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Management/Non Union bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.