Research Scientist

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade R3

The base salary will be $74,990 - $88,230 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, 1 year temporary full time contract opportunity.

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

The mission of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, within the Schulich School of Medicine, is to conduct research which contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between microbes and the immune system.

The mission of Dr. Barr’s research laboratory is to advance fundamental understanding of virus–host interactions that govern the emergence, persistence, and pathogenicity of human viral pathogens. We combine cutting-edge molecular virology, immunology, bioinformatics, and containment-level research to elucidate the mechanisms by which viruses evade innate immune defenses, establish infection, and persist within the host. Ultimately, our work aims to translate mechanistic insight into effective antivirals, diagnostics, and intervention strategies to mitigate emerging and re-emerging viral diseases.

The Research Scientist will provide guidance and consultation related to a variety of research functions in the area of bioinformatics and genomic analysis, supporting high-impact studies at the intersection of viral and host genomics. The role will facilitate research by participating in research study design and implementation and by providing expert guidance on best practices for project development, implementation, and evaluation across the full research lifecycle, from experimental design to data interpretation. The Research Scientist will strengthen the organization’s ability to analyze large-scale genomic and multi-omics datasets through the development of robust, reproducible bioinformatics pipelines and the application of advanced AI and machine learning approaches to understand viral infection and host response. The role will oversee research operations, foster interdisciplinary research collaborations, and provide guidance to trainees, technical staff, and/or postdoctoral scholars to address complex research problems. In addition, the role will set research goals and objectives, carry out and oversee original and independent research, develop new research initiatives, and prepare grant applications. The Research Scientist will also select and develop methods for data collection, publish and present findings, and develop innovative research approaches that enhance research productivity, support the generation of clinically meaningful insights, and contribute to the organization’s scientific excellence in a rapidly evolving research landscape.

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology or relevant discipline

Experience:

• 5 years of working experience (after postgraduate degree) in the area of bioinformatics in an academic research environment
• Substantial work completed on postdoctoral research portfolio in a directly related field; a strong publication record including first author publications is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in scientific/research principles including bioinformatics, virology, and AI and machine learning (including handling big data); familiarity with cyber security preferred
• Familiarity with project management methodologies with the ability to manage projects from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• In-depth knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• In-depth knowledge of best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
• In-depth knowledge of techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
• In-depth knowledge of methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• Well-developed public speaking skills to engage individuals and audiences inside and outside the University
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes (Python, R, coding languages)
• A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
• Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the research group’s events and activities
• Ability to provide guidance to assist others in solving complex problems
• Ability to interpret and identify key results or patterns in complex research data, and succinctly summarize findings
• Ability to coach employees and support them to be self-directed and responsible for their own development and learning
• Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and take action to proactively resolve issues

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

This position is an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.