About OICR

OICR is Ontario's cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Job Details

Position: Scientific Associate I

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Genome Informatics

Reports To: Director, Genome Informatics and Principal Investigator I

Salary: Commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 35 hours/week

Job Type: Hybrid

Status: Full-time, Temporary (2 years)

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a professional to fill the key role of Scientific Associate I in the laboratory of Dr Mélanie Courtot. Dr Courtot is the Director of Genome Informatics and an Investigator I at OICR, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto.
The Courtot lab develops new software, databases and other necessary components to store, organize and compute over the large and complex datasets being generated by research programs. Dr Courtot has over 15 years of experience in software and standards developments and has co-authored over 60 papers in top bioinformatics journals. For more information about the Courtot lab, please visit https://courtotlab.genomeinformatics.org/.
The Genome Informatics department led by Dr Courtot includes a software engineering team of around 20 staff members dedicated to building large-scale genomics data platforms, as well as the Research IT team which provides high performance computing infrastructure to OICR's research departments. This provides an ideal translational environment for the Courtot lab which develops standards and processes for large-scale data processing and integration. While you would work alongside the software engineering team, your responsibilities will be focused on the Courtot lab activities.

The Courtot lab was funded in 2023, and this position is an opportunity for the right candidate to take a leadership role in the lab. The Lab contributes to many large-scale international projects and this is an opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders worldwide.

This position is temporary, full-time for two-year.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead your own research projects 70 to 80% of the time, including
  
  • Using Large Language Models to leverage scientific data sources, e.g. via data extraction and knowledge graphs building
  • Working on data modeling, validation, harmonization and integration
    
  • Engaging with domain experts to elicit requirements and feedback
• Work closely with Dr Courtot for the remaining 20 to 30% of time to
  • Coordinate scientific activities
  • Contribute to grants and manuscripts writing
  • Advise on lab strategy and priorities

Qualifications

• PhD in computational biology, computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, physics or biology, or recognized equivalent
• Published and/or submitted papers in (cancer) genomics and/or machine learning research and/or standards and data management
• Excellent writing and communication skills
  

For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca.

To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page.

POSTED DATE: November 14, 2024
CLOSING DATE: December 5, 2024

OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate's abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan (https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/). Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.

Resume Format: If you elect to apply, please click on the “Apply for this Job” button below. You will be required to enter contact details, and to attach your resume to your application. Please attach your resume as a .pdf or .doc file.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.