Research Associate, Bioinformatician

Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops; Montreal; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in Montreal seeks a Research Associate to support computational genomics in clinical care. This role involves developing bioinformatic methods, managing large-scale genetic data, and collaborating on research projects. Candidates should hold a PhD in a related field and possess strong skills in R or Python. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $75,000 to $110,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific area.
• Over one year’s experience in programming for biological problems.
• Comfortable leading a team of graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Develop bioinformatic and computational methods.
• Organize and conduct quality control and processing of genetic data.
• Collaborate with leading scientists and institutions.
• Write scientific papers and manuals.

Skills

Data analysis expertise in R and/or Python

Experience with large-scale cohorts such as UK Biobank

Experience working in an HPC environment

Experience working in cloud computing

Bioinformatic tool expertise including GWAS software

Experience in software development

Education

PhD in genetics, bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, or computational biology

Job description

Institution/Company: The Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Research Associate

Degree Level Required: PhD

The Richards’ lab of McGill University is seeking a Bioinformatician Research Associate to assist in the creation and management of a research program to improve clinical care through the use of computational genomics. The job will take place at the Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, a McGill University teaching hospital. See mcgill.ca/genepi for a description of the exciting work that our lab is undertaking. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Brent Richards’ research team in the Centre for Epidemiology and Community Studies and, in collaboration with fellow staff, graduate students and external collaborators, will ensure the timely execution of a program of research to better understand how genomic information can improve clinical care.

Responsibilities

• Develop bioinformatic, data science, and computational methods to process data from genome‑wide genotyping, sequencing, and proteomic laboratory outputs.
• Organise data and clinical data, conduct quality control and processing, and prepare data for release through the BioPortal program.
• Perform quality control and processing of large‑scale genetic data.
• Apply novel methods to process such data.
• Create standardized, repeatable, and verifiable pipelines for QC, harmonisation, and release of data.
• Collaborate with other institutions and leading scientists to execute research programmes.
• Generate and maintain computational code.
• Write scientific papers and manuals to describe research findings, document output, and enable others to use the resulting code.
• Supervise graduate students to help them complete their research projects.
• Carry out general administrative tasks related to the above work programme.
• Assist in writing grants to secure funding for the research programme.
• Participate in the creation of new research programmes.
• Execute these duties with little supervision.

Qualifications

• PhD in genetics, bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, or computational biology.
• Experience with large‑scale cohorts such as UK Biobank.
• Experience working in an HPC environment.
• Experience working in cloud computing.
• Over one year’s experience in programming for research programmes related to biological problems.
• Comfortable leading a team of graduate students and staff.
• Data analysis expertise in R and/or Python, as well as NextFlow.
• Deep understanding of files and data arising from genome‑wide genotyping, whole‑genome sequencing, and whole‑exome sequencing.
• Bioinformatic tool expertise including GWAS software, managing sequence data, and large‑dataset manipulation.
• Experience in software development is an asset.

Additional Information

Salary: Competitive and aligned with the candidate’s skills and track‑record. Salary Scale: $75,000‑$110,000 depending on experience.

Working Conditions:

• Full‑time position of 40 hours per week.
• Start date: February 1st, 2026.
• Permanent full‑time employment.

Languages:

• High‑level proficiency in English reading, writing, and presentations.
• French is an asset.

Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be able to work legally in Canada as a citizen, permanent resident, work‑permit holder, or be able to apply for a valid work permit.

Interested applicants should contact Ms. Darin Adra by email: [e-mail]