Research Associate I

CancerCare Manitoba is a provincial agency which provides clinical and academic services and leadership for cancer control and the treatment of blood disorders.

Our shared vision of a world free of cancer drives every member of our team. CancerCare Manitoba is the perfect place to thrive if you're seeking a fulfilling career in an organization that is committed to its employees' well-being and professional development.

Competition # 253-25-761025033

Posting End Date: Open Until Filled

City: Winnipeg

Work Location: MacCharles

Department: Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute

Union: Non-Union

Hiring Status: Term

Reason for Term: Grant Funded

Anticipated Start and End Date: ASAP – October 2, 2026

FTE: 1.0

Anticipated Shift: days

Daily Hours Worked: 8

Annual Base Hours: 2080

Annual Salary: $50,000-$70,000

Lead Next-Generation Sequencing Innovation at the CancerCare Manitoba Bioinformatics Core

Are you a wet lab scientist with a passion for genomics, and new sequencing technologies? We’re hiring a Research Associate to take a leadership role as manager in the PromethION-based sequencing facility of the Bioinformatics Core Platform at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB). You will be reporting and be part of the team of the director of the Core, Dr. Athan Zovoilis and you will support multi-institutional genomics projects—including, but not limited to, the nationally funded PrairieGen initiative—and help shape the future of R&D in high-throughput sequencing and DNA/RNA modification profiling.

About the CCMB Bioinformatics Core

Located at the interface of research and clinical genomics, the CCMB Bioinformatics Core supports a wide range of omics-driven studies across cancer, aging, neurobiology, epitranscriptomics, and more. We operate Manitoba’s most advanced wet-dry genomics platform, combining in-house sequencing (Oxford Nanopore PromethION, Illumina) with dedicated high-performance computing infrastructure and AI-powered analysis pipelines.

The core is embedded in national and provincial initiatives such as PrairieGen, the PanCanadian Genome Library (PCGL), the Canadian Epitranscriptomics Network (CAN-EPITRAN), Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and BioNet, while also supporting local clinical, academic, and translational research partners.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Manage the core’s PromethION sequencing platform
• Expand your expertise in advanced wet lab genomics (DNA/RNA modifications, short/long DNA/ RNA sequencing, multi-omics integration and clinical research applications)
• Participate in cutting-edge method development and R&D for nanopore-based direct DNA and RNA sequencing, working closely with data scientists, clinicians, and national collaborators
• Contribute to a genomics environment producing hundreds of terabytes of sequencing data annually for some of Canada’s largest research programs
• Grow with the core and play a central role in its scientific leadership, innovation strategy, and mentorship network

This position is ideal for an ambitious and collaborative scientist at their first steps ready to take ownership of lab operations while continuing to evolve their technical and research skills in a fast-moving field.

Your Role

As the Lab Manager for the CCMB Bioinformatics Core’s PromethION sequencing facility and associated Lab, you will:

• Oversee and perform daily lab operations, including sample processing, library preparation, and sequencing runs using PromethION and Illumina systems
• Optimize and implement wet lab protocols for short and long RNAs, with a focus on emerging approaches in epitranscriptomics and transcriptome dynamics
• Lead R&D efforts to adapt and validate novel methods (e.g., detection of RNA modifications, in vitro validation of basecalling accuracy)
• Train and supervise junior staff, develop SOPs, and ensure quality control and biosafety standards
• Coordinate sample intake and processing for multiple projects across diverse research themes
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians to align experimental outputs with downstream computational analysis
• Support external investigators through experimental consultation, reporting, and knowledge sharing

What You Bring

• MSc or PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline
  (Candidates without an MSc/PhD but significant experience in NGS workflows are also encouraged to apply)
• 1+ years of relevant wet lab experience, including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, library preparation, and sequencing QC
• Experience operating Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms (e.g., MinION, GridION, or PromethION) would be considered an asset
• Knowledge of genome biology and enthusiasm for emerging areas like epigenomics and epitranscriptomics
• Strong troubleshooting, experimental optimization, and protocol development skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse research team

What We Offer

• A leadership position in Manitoba’s flagship multi-omics sequencing core
• Access to high-throughput infrastructure and a rapidly growing national research network
• Opportunities to author/co-author scientific publications, develop new techniques, and support investigator-driven discovery
• An inclusive, collaborative team of researchers, clinicians, and data scientists committed to training and mentorship
• A dynamic environment that supports professional growth and innovation in genomics

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed and current resume, plus a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the above qualifications and the above competition number.

This position is subject to a Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search, an Adult Abuse Registry Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred.

CancerCare Manitoba is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free recruitment processes and work environment.  If you are contacted by CancerCare Manitoba regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if accommodation measures must be taken to enable you to apply and be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

We thank all that apply and advise that only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.