Come work as a Lab Scientist - Genome Analyst with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

As an integral member of the Cytogenetics Laboratory, at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), the Lab Scientist, specializing in Genome Analysis, will be responsible for performing analysis and clinical interpretation of hematologic cancer specimen testing results produced using a state of the art genomic technology, Optical Genome Mapping (OGM). They will also be responsible for performing wet-lab procedures for the purpose of test validation/verification and clinical research activities. Working under the daily direction of the Director of the Cytogenomics Laboratory, and under the regular direction of the Department Head.

The Lab Scientist must demonstrate an ability to work independently and as member of a multidisciplinary team, while appropriately prioritize competing demands. Additional support and training will be provided in areas of limited expertise.

As a Lab Scientist - Genome Analyst with Vancouver Coastal Health you will

• Utilizes current software tools, databases, and primary literature to investigate the clinical relevance of variants detected using OGM.
• Develops processes and procedures for data analysis and drafts variant annotations.
• Utilizes practical and theoretical knowledge for the analysis of cytogenetics data in collaboration with staff Cytogeneticists and Molecular Geneticists.
• Generates and analyzes (including data processing, statistical analysis, and result visualization) sequence-based genomic data; can adapt bioinformatic scripts for specialized analyses.
• Experience generating and analyzing data from Oxford Nanopore Technologies and/or other long-read sequencing platforms will be considered a strong asset (i.e. GridION, MinION, PromethION platforms; Epi2Me, Dorado, Sniffles, Clair3, etc. workflows).
• Completes required laboratory database and reporting activities related to variant analyses.
• Performs wet-lab procedures and troubleshooting related to OGM and other assay verification activities, as needed.
• Participates in knowledge translation activities.
• Gathers pertinent clinical data from the medical record to assist in OGM analysis.
• Supports clinical research activities within the Cytogenomics Laboratory, as needed.
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements.  Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Completion of a recognized Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Cancer Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics or related discipline.
• Experience in wet-lab performance of molecular genetics techniques, and knowledge of the theory and practice of current cytogenetic and/or molecular genetic laboratory procedures, instruments, equipment and specialized techniques are essential to the position.
• Experience in analysis of chromosomal microarray or next-generation sequencing data is preferred
• Experience with test validation is an asset.
• Experience with the use of genetic databases/resources and software (e.g., Atlas of Genetics, gnomAD, COSMIC, CIViC, PubMed) is preferred.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving skills
• Effective organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven track record in research and academic communication activities
• Ability to work independently and accurately under time-pressure
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to complete cross-functional duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned
• Must be computer literate in Windows based applications
• Demonstrated interest in continuing education
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.