Research Associate I

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization in Winnipeg is seeking a Research Associate to manage the PromethION sequencing platform. You will lead daily lab operations, oversee sequencing, and develop advanced genomic techniques. Ideal candidates will have a MSc or PhD and relevant wet lab experience. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant genomics projects and professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Access to high-throughput infrastructure

Opportunities for publishing research

Professional growth and mentorship

Qualifications

• 1+ years of relevant wet lab experience.
• Experience with RNA/DNA extraction and sequencing QC.
• Knowledge of genome biology.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily lab operations including sample processing and sequencing runs.
• Lead R&D efforts to validate novel methods.
• Train and supervise junior staff.

Skills

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR

experimental optimization

organizational skills

communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry

Tools

Illumina sequencing platforms

Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms

Job description

Overview

Lead Next-Generation Sequencing Innovation at the CancerCare Manitoba Bioinformatics Core. We’re hiring a Research Associate to take a leadership role as manager in the PromethION-based sequencing facility of the Bioinformatics Core Platform at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB). You will be reporting to and be part of the team of the director of the Core, Dr. Athan Zovoilis, and you will support multi-institutional genomics projects—including, but not limited to, the nationally funded PrairieGen initiative—and help shape the future of R&D in high-throughput sequencing and DNA/RNA modification profiling.

About the CCMB Bioinformatics Core

Located at the interface of research and clinical genomics, the CCMB Bioinformatics Core supports a wide range of omics-driven studies across cancer, aging, neurobiology, epitranscriptomics, and more. We operate Manitoba’s most advanced wet-dry genomics platform, combining in-house sequencing (Oxford Nanopore PromethION, Illumina) with dedicated high-performance computing infrastructure and AI-powered analysis pipelines.

The core is embedded in national and provincial initiatives such as PrairieGen, the PanCanadian Genome Library (PCGL), the Canadian Epitranscriptomics Network (CAN-EPITRAN), Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and BioNet, while also supporting local clinical, academic, and translational research partners.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Manage the core’s PromethION sequencing platform
• Expand your expertise in advanced wet lab genomics (DNA/RNA modifications, short/long DNA/RNA sequencing, multi-omics integration and clinical research applications)
• Participate in cutting-edge method development and R&D for nanopore-based direct DNA and RNA sequencing, working closely with data scientists, clinicians, and national collaborators
• Contribute to a genomics environment producing hundreds of terabytes of sequencing data annually for some of Canada’s largest research programs
• Grow with the core and play a central role in its scientific leadership, innovation strategy, and mentorship network

This position is ideal for an ambitious and collaborative scientist at their first steps ready to take ownership of lab operations while continuing to evolve their technical and research skills in a fast-moving field.

Your Role

As the Lab Manager for the CCMB Bioinformatics Core’s PromethION sequencing facility and associated Lab, you will:

• Oversee and perform daily lab operations, including sample processing, library preparation, and sequencing runs using PromethION and Illumina systems
• Optimize and implement wet lab protocols for short and long RNAs, with a focus on emerging approaches in epitranscriptomics and transcriptome dynamics
• Lead R&D efforts to adapt and validate novel methods (e.g., detection of RNA modifications, in vitro validation of basecalling accuracy)
• Train and supervise junior staff, develop SOPs, and ensure quality control and biosafety standards
• Coordinate sample intake and processing for multiple projects across diverse research themes
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians to align experimental outputs with downstream computational analysis
• Support external investigators through experimental consultation, reporting, and knowledge sharing

What You Bring

• MSc or PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline (Candidates without an MSc/PhD but significant experience in NGS workflows are also encouraged to apply)
• 1+ years of relevant wet lab experience, including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, library preparation, and sequencing QC
• Experience operating Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms (e.g., MinION, GridION, or PromethION) would be considered an asset
• Knowledge of genome biology and enthusiasm for emerging areas like epigenomics and epitranscriptomics
• Strong troubleshooting, experimental optimization, and protocol development skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse research team

What We Offer

• A leadership position in Manitoba’s flagship multi-omics sequencing core
• Access to high-throughput infrastructure and a rapidly growing national research network
• Opportunities to author/co-author scientific publications, develop new techniques, and support investigator-driven discovery
• An inclusive, collaborative team of researchers, clinicians, and data scientists committed to training and mentorship
• A dynamic environment that supports professional growth and innovation in genomics

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed and current resume, plus a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the above qualifications and the above competition number.

This position is subject to a Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search, an Adult Abuse Registry Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred.

CancerCare Manitoba is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free recruitment processes and work environment. If you are contacted by CancerCare Manitoba regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if accommodation measures must be taken to enable you to apply and be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

We thank all that apply and advise that only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Job Details

• Competition #: 253-25-761025033
• City: Winnipeg
• Work Location: MacCharles
• Union: Non-Union
• Hiring Status: Term
• Reason for Term: Grant Funded
• Anticipated Start and End Date: ASAP – October 2, 2026
• FTE: 1.0
• Anticipated Shift: days
• Daily Hours Worked: 8
• Annual Base Hours: 2080
• Posting End Date: Open Until Filled