Research Scientist

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kobor Lab is seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual to work as a research scientist on various projects related to understanding the causes and consequences of variation in epigenetic marks across human populations, and using animal-based model studies. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading a novel collaboration investigating and validating epigenetic approaches for wildlife and population monitoring, broadening the translational impact of Dr. Kobor’s research program. This position will also contribute to a number of existing funded projects, including population cohort studies that focus on the genomic embedding of early-life experiences in relationship to development and health across the lifespan, as well as cell-based simulation studies examining molecular marks associated with exposure to environmental factors. This work involves the generation and acquisition of high-dimension datasets for genotyping, DNA methylation, chromatin conformation and mRNA expression and their integrative analysis with phenotype and environmental exposures. Additionally, this position will contribute to establishing and optimizing analytical pipelines for emerging multi-omic technologies, including proteomics (e.g., Olink), transcriptomics (RNA-seq), and advanced sequencing methods (e.g., 5-base sequencing), expanding the lab’s technical capabilities and data integration capacity. The ideal applicant will possess a curiosity and passion for science, a talent for independent and team-based research, knowledge of statistical genomics and/or epigenetics / gene regulation, and extensive experience with high-throughput data generation and bioinformatics.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Nice To Haves

• Experience in laboratory research involving genome technologies infrastructure, with knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and epigenetics.
• Experience working with DNA-based microarrays and high-throughput sequencing experiments.
• Knowledge with biospecimen collection (blood, saliva, buccal swabs) to effectively advise collaborators with sample preparation-related inquiries.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Excellent programming skills and mastery in one or more high level programming language (R preferred).
• Experience in writing executable R scripts, and debugging code.
• Experience working with DNA methylation, genotyping, expression, and/or multi-dimensional genomics or population data.
• Experience working with sequencing data.
• Knowledge with the development of novel packages/analysis pipelines.
• Basic to Intermediate level understanding of statistical modeling and tests.
• Experience with cluster computing and working in a Unix environment would be an asset.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and databases.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize bench-side experiments with high efficiency.
• Accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent leadership skills and experience leading small teams.
• Ability to keep abreast of current developments and trends in the field of information technology.
• Must conduct all activities in an ethical manner and treat funding information and research data confidentially.

Responsibilities

• Designs, performs, and evaluates data quality of bench-based high-throughput microarrays (DNA methylation, genome-wide SNP typing) studies
• Consults with collaborators for best-practices with sample collections and preparations to ensure success of array-based experiments
• Reviews current literature to propose, develop, and establish next-generation sequencing-based studies (RRBS, ATAC-Seq, RNA-Seq, single cell) pertinent to epigenomic analyses using advanced technologies
• Performs statistical and bioinformatics analyses of high-throughput epigenomics, genotyping, and sequencing data to facilitate the interpretation of associations between molecular data with environment, stress and disease in humans and cell-based studies
• Collaborates actively with others across the CMMT, UBC, and BCCRHI to problem solve and provide clarity on the application of bioinformatics approaches to understanding epigenetics, from molecular analysis in model organisms to population-scale studies of human epigenetic variation
• Participates in planning and execution of research projects, alone and in teams
• Participates in meetings and phone/video conferences as project lead for multiple collaborations with local, national, and international groups on diverse projects related to children’s mental and physical health, and works with academics, clinical and community practitioners, and other professionals from multiple disciplines
• Presents results to collaborators and the broader scientific community
• Contributes to ongoing strategic planning for the ongoing bioinformatics analysis needs of the lab; works with principal investigator to identify funding opportunities; develops ideas into grant proposals
• Contributes to writing scientific manuscripts
• Updates Dr. Kobor and the group on the status of projects during lab meetings, in email correspondence and phone/video conferences
• Performs other administrative and related duties in the lab

Benefits

• UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.
• 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, and/or Indigenous person.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level