Research Assistant

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

The Department of Biology is the largest academic unit in the Faculty of Science. Our ~40 full-time faculty members teach close to 70 courses to over 13,000 students annually, host approximately 1,300 majors, and have an average graduate enrollment of 120 - 140 students, supported by close to 30 full-time staff members.

The Department is housed in six main buildings (B&GS, WSC, Collip, NCB, AFAR, and Biotron). We are broadly based in biology research and teaching, as we pursue biological knowledge from the scale of molecules to ecosystems. We are also a diverse and collegial community that fosters learning, growth, and student success through inquiry, discovery, and innovation in a working environment committed to mutual respect.

For more information please visit http://www.westernu.ca/biology

The Research Assistant will assist in training new recruits in the computational and bioinformatics workflow for whole genome sequence analysis [genomic and epigenomic; nuclear and mitochondiral genomes] for variant discovery and annotation. The Research Assistant provides technical support and training in computational coding in sequence data analytics using in house computational networks and project resources of Digital Research Alliance.

The incumbent will report to the PI and will work to support the research of PhD, MSc, staff technicians and HBSc thesis researchers in the laboratory. The incumbent will assist with design and management of computational job workflow across the research projects. The Research Assistant provides technical oversight of the computational network and workflow for whole genome sequence file processing for variant discovery.

The incumbent will design workflows and publish novel computational tools to support mutation analyses. They will also provide support for computational project design, mutation data analytics, manuscript writing and publication. The incumbent will identify and test new computational tools for variant discovery and mutation/epimutation analysis for long-read whole genome sequence analysis.

They will also attend weekly laboratory meetings and report project status and updates.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant area of focus Experience: - 1 year of work experience supporting research in a related technical field Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
• Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Familiarity with experimental design and analysis
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume. Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications.

Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.