Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Using Novel Sequencing Technologies

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics to join a dynamic research team. This role involves utilizing cutting-edge sequencing technologies to analyze cancer datasets, contributing to groundbreaking research aimed at improving cancer detection and treatment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with local and international scientists, employing bioinformatics to uncover insights into cancer biology. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Canadians affected by cancer while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required for this role.
• Proficiency in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics programming is essential.

Responsibilities

• Leverage genomics technologies to explore genomic alterations in cancer.
• Develop bioinformatics tools for multi-omics dataset analysis.

Skills

long-read sequencing

short-read sequencing

single-cell sequencing

bioinformatics programming (Python, R, Bash)

multi-omics analysis

high-performance computing

version control systems (Git)

cancer research

communication skills

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Genetics/Genomics

Tools

bioinformatics tools

Job description

Job Category: Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Using Novel Sequencing Technologies

Department: Research I Marra I Michael Smith Laboratories I Faculty of Science (Marco Marra)

Posting End Date: May 11, 2025

Job End Date: May 31, 2026

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000 per year.

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to join the Multi-omic Analysis of Treatment Resistance and Cancer Heterogeneity (MATCH) lab under the supervision of Dr. Marco Marra. The successful candidate will work on a project that uses novel sequencing technologies such as long-read sequencing and single-cell sequencing to study cancer datasets. They will join a dynamic team of researchers working towards the central goal of using next-generation genomics to improve the lives of Canadians living with cancer.

The Technology:

This project will deploy genomics technologies (e.g., long-read sequencing, short-read sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics) to address topical issues in cancer biology and precision cancer genomic medicine. Long-read sequencing generates sequencing reads averaging tens of thousands of base pairs, enabling better mapping and resolution of complex structural variations and repetitive regions, with the added benefit of including base modifications such as DNA methylation. Single-cell sequencing uncovers cellular heterogeneity by profiling individual cells, revealing insights into cancer heterogeneity and cell populations. Short-read sequencing provides accurate, high-throughput data, ideal for identifying single nucleotide variants, expression profiling, and performing bulk analyses. These and related technologies are positioned to transform our understanding of the 200 diseases we call “cancer.”

The Opportunity:

The PDF will leverage genomics technologies and bioinformatics analysis to explore the genomic and epigenomic alterations found in cancer. This will require integration of data from whole-genome, transcriptome, and methylome analyses to investigate the epigenetic impact of large genomic changes on cancer genomes. The candidate may develop and implement bioinformatics tools and workflows to process and analyze multi-omics datasets, enabling insights into complex genomic changes. They will facilitate projects in collaboration with local and international scientists, clinicians, and public health researchers to make meaningful impacts on cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Genetics/Genomics, or a related discipline
2. Proficiency with the following: long-read sequencing, short-read sequencing, and single-cell sequencing, including data generation and analysis
3. Strong publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
4. Strong background in cancer research
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting findings at scientific conferences
6. Proficiency in bioinformatics programming languages, such as Python, R, and Bash
7. Extensive experience in multi-omics analysis, including whole-genome, transcriptome, and methylome sequencing
8. Strong skills in developing, implementing, and optimizing bioinformatics workflows and tools
9. Experience with high-performance computing environments and version control systems like Git
10. Proven success working in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to collaborative research projects

The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000 per year. Salary is competitive, negotiable, commensurate with education and experience.

The appointment will be for one year commencing June 1, 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references to the UBC Careers portal no later than the posting date.

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, or Indigenous person.