Computer Specialist, AI Data Readiness and Model Integration

Tenure:

Continuing

Language Requirements: English

Work arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We’re looking for a genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) computer specialist to join our Comparative and Regulatory Genomic Technologies (CGRT) team within the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre in Saskatoon. As part of a multidisciplinary team focused on combining advanced genomic technologies and machine learning to develop a predictive understanding of plant biology, this position will support NRC’s data driven genomics and AI integration initiatives. The position will be involved in the computational aspects of data generation, standardization, quality control, metadata handling, bio-informatics data processing to model-ready formats as well as model training, model validation and model deployment. A primary initial objective will be to enable data readiness for modelling by encapsulating and standardizing key data processing pipelines for ACRD.

The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related discipline.

A Technical College diploma in Computer Science or related field or an equivalent combination of education and direct experience may be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience in bioinformatics analysis in a Linux computing environment using programming languages such as Python, R, or Bash scripting.
• Experience designing, implementing and maintaining reproducible workflows using workflow management systems (, Snakemake, Nextflow).
• Recent experience with genomic data formats (, FASTQ, BAM, VCF, GTF, CRAM) and command-line analysis tools (, STAR, GATK, DESeq2, Orthofinder, Genespace, samtools, HifiASM, Verkko).
• Recent experience deploying workflows on job schedulers (, Slurm) and using containerization tools (, Docker, Singularity).
• Experience applying FAIR data principles, metadata standards, and database integration methods would be considered an asset.
• Familiarity with AI/machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit learn) and data preparation for predictive modelling would be considered an asset.
• Experience working in a collaborative multidisciplinary setting would be an asset.
• Experience with evaluating and troubleshooting bioinformatics tools and workflows.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Solid* knowledge of bioinformatics principles, genomic data structures, and workflow automation.
• Solid* ability to design and implement reproducible data processing pipelines using workflow management tools and containerization.
• Ability to manage and integrate metadata following FAIR data principles.
• Solid* knowledge of machine learning and predictive modelling data preparation techniques.

Solid — a working level knowledge used by fully qualified individuals to solve day to day problems and address normal issues.

Behavioural competencies

• Technology support - Initiative (Level 2)
• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Support

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $86,503 to $108,068 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.