Bioinformatics Programmer

LifeLabs is the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada, serving the healthcare needs of Canadians for over 50 years. Our team members are truly centred around our customers, and we know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us.

Consistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, LifeLabs has also been recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. The passion and commitment of over 6,000 diverse and innovative team members unites and motivates us to ensure our customers receive high quality tests and results that they can trust. Agile, customer-centred, caring and teamwork: we live these values every day in what we do to support our customers and healthcare providers, driving forward our vision of empowering a healthier you.

At LifeLabs, we are focused on our vision of building a healthier Canada! We are the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada with over 350 collection centres, 21 laboratories and service over 19 million patients each year.

Caring, Agile, Customer Driven, One Team - We live our values every day in what we do to help our patients and healthcare providers. With over 5,000 employees, we all make a difference and that's why our people are so important to us.

This is an exciting time to join our LifeLabs team, grow your career with us and support numerous business initiatives, innovations, best practice and business development opportunities.

The Bioinformatics Programmer designs, implements and test programs, workflows, solutions and improvements for the Laboratory Information Management Systems (Clarity) that are used to manage data in our lab. The Bioinformatics Programmer will also provide programming solutions for systems integration and automation of clinical diagnostic data, and work to build pipelines for the analysis of NGS data. The successful candidate will also support our lab troubleshooting issues with the LIMS and perform bioinformatic analysis of NGS data, panel coverage, etc. Some work on weekends may be required.

This is a temporary full time position until 05/09/2025 located at 175 Galaxy Boulevard, Toronto.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will support our Genetics lab by providing expertise in the LIMS workflows and bioinformatics applications in use at Lifelabs Genetics:

• Implement, test and manage the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is used to manage data and workflow in clinical specimen acquisition
• Handle next generation sequencing (NGS), data acquisition, analysis and reporting processes and help develop pipelines for these processes
• Use Python and R to design and implement code to support the LIMS, bioinformatics pipelines and analytical processes
• Perform bioinformatic analysis on NGS data and panels.
• Design and execute test plans on applications and record, verify and document results
• Manage multiple databases using PostgreSQL, SQL Server and other databases
• Work with internal IT teams as well as external partners and suppliers to implement, interface and configure Genetics Lab applications and database development, testing and operations
• Administer and maintain servers running Linux and Windows
• Provide subject matter expertise in areas of database, tuning, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, developments, support, documentation of standards and procedures for the administration and maintenance of all supported environments.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Software Engineering or related field. A bachelor's degree would be considered along with relevant experience
• Experience with bioinformatics data, applications and bioinformatics analyses
• 1 - 3 years of experience of coding experience, preference will be given to candidates with working experience in bioinformatics
• Minimum 2 years' experience in Python and R is preferred
• Understanding of human genetics and molecular biology strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of software engineering practices
• Academic or working experience with molecular techniques, including PCR and DNA sequencing, NGS experience preferred
• Resourceful self-starter with ability to work well both independently and with teams
• Strong time and project management skills and ability to reliably deliver projects according to schedule
• Excellent communication skills
• Total commitment to quality and customer service and willingness to occasionally work outside of normal business hours when required

This is an in-person role.

Hiring Range: 78,300 - 99,800

The hiring range has been established, however, the final salary recommendation will be determined based off the level of experience, education requirement, external market conditions and internal equity.

Employee Benefits:

Retirement Savings Plan:

Vacation Entitlement:

In this position, you will be entitled to vacation pay, which will be applied to each pay.

Employee Wellness:

LifeLabs offers an award-winning Wellness Program focused on supporting your total health and well-being under our physical, emotional, and financial wellness pillars. We have been recognized in the industry for our focus on mental health supports.

Employee Giving program:

Designed to support any employee who donates, fundraises or volunteers for a Canadian Registered Charity or Non-Profit Organization.

In addition, LifeLabs offers professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs - WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc. - and Optional Health-related Benefits.

We are committed to the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and have taken steps to strengthen our commitment to our team members and customers, to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.

At LifeLabs, we know that we are Stronger Together and that we will benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences that each team member offers.

Make a difference - join the LifeLabs team today!

At LifeLabs, we strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where our team members and the communities we serve feel accepted, valued, and respected.