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 Laboratory Scientist, specializing in Genome Analysis, will be responsible for performing analysis and interpretation of oncology specimen testing results produced using state of the art molecular genetic and cytogenomic technologies, including long-read sequencing (LRS), DNA/RNA next-generation sequencing (NGS), and optical genome mapping (OGM). They will also be responsible for performing wet-lab procedures to support test development, validation and verification, with associated clinical research activities. Working under the daily direction of the Medical Director of the Cytogenomics Laboratory, and under the regular direction of the Department Head.

This is a full-time temporary one-year position to cover a leave of absence, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Laboratory 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:

• Apply practical and theoretical knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of genomic data, in collaboration with Clinical Laboratory Geneticists.
• Utilize current software tools, databases and primary literature to investigate the clinical relevance of variants detected using genomic testing approaches, and draft variant interpretations.
• Perform wet-lab procedures and troubleshooting related to LRS, NGS and/or OGM and other assays to support test development and routine verification activities, as needed.
• Generate, analyze and annotate sequence and mapping-based genomic data, including data processing, statistical analysis, and result visualization, and adapt or maintain bioinformatic pipelines for specialized analyses.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of data generated, laboratory databases and reporting activities associated with individual and cohort variant analyses.
• Support the development, optimization and maintenance of standard operating procedures.
• Experience generating and analyzing LRS and/or NGS data will be considered an asset.
• Participate in knowledge translation activities, including conferences, presentations and publications. A strong publication record will be considered an asset.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately report unsafe situations by notifying the 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.

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):

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
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

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, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026.

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.