Bioinformatics and Synthetic Biology

Exciting opportunity for a Bioinformatician to join the PlantBioCoRe Group at UBC.

About the PlantBioCore Group

At the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley, Plant Bioactive Compounds Research Laboratory (Dang Group) integrates biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics, and molecular genetics to elucidate and engineer the biosynthesis of valuable small molecules from medicinal plants. Our ultimate aim is to learn and translate natural metabolism into innovative biotechnologies to meet the ever-increasing demands of high-value chemicals. PlantBioCore's research is funded by NSERC and CFI. Dr. Dang is a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar at UBC. 

Role of the candidate

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team at UBC working at the intersection of Data Mining, Biological Chemistry and Synthetic Biology of medicinal plants. Their work involves the Data Mining of plant transcriptomes and genomes and AI-based methods in integrating omics with chemical biosynthesis. They will also perform deep sequencing data analysis and feature extraction from large-scale omics datasets for new biocatalysts. They will also establish novel bioinformatics analysis pipelines for newly collected omics data and will have an opportunity to explore other areas such as synthetic biology and biological chemistry.

Required qualifications

• A PhD degree within Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, or related fields
• A scientific record with international publications
• Creativity and openness to innovation
• Enthusiasm, responsibility, and excellent collaboration skills
• Passion for high-quality data
• Strong oral and written skills in English
• Experience working in data from biological systems

The successful applicant will have an excellent Computer Science, Data Science or Bioinformatics background. Extensive experience in genomic data analysis and data mining are desirable. Some experience in molecular biology, chemistry or biochemistry is essential. UBC is a world-class institute and is looking to appoint an exceptional and highly motivated candidate who has or expects to soon receive a PhD in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology. The post holder will get the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through excellent training opportunities in the fields of Data Mining and Synthetic Biology for sustainable production of natural products.

Application procedure

The complete online application must be submitted no later than May 1st, 2021. The job contracts offered to the qualifying candidates will be for 1 year (as per UBC policy), with the possibility of renewal depending on progress and funding availability.

Expected starting date: Flexible, but preferably Summer-Fall 2021.

The  Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications and patents

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

This posting is for the UBC Okanagan campus in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number EU-54833 during correspondence about this position.

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, or Indigenous person.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC's Okanagan campus is an intimate learning community embracing bold new ways of thinking. We attract exceptional students and faculty who aim to change the world.

Postdoctoral Fellows at UBC Okanagan
UBCO is home to a growing population of over 60 postdocs, contributing to a thriving culture of research that impacts our region, our country and the international community. The College of Graduate Studies partners with faculties and campus services to deliver mentorship opportunities, workshops, events and enriching experiences that prepare postdocs for futures in academia and the professional world. Our Postdoctoral Association provides and builds a welcoming community for postdocs on the UBC Okanagan campus.

About Kelowna
UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people - the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business. More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna's cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.