Research Associate, Research Scientist, Data Scientist

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – Department of Pediatrics

The Vaccine Evaluation Center (VEC) invites applications for a full‑time Research Associate to join Dr. Manish Sadarangani’s team for a 6‑month term appointment, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position offers a starting salary of $90,800 per annum.

This role is for a highly motivated PhD with postdoctoral experience, responsible for managing multiple projects, including multi‑site research studies, and supporting data generation and analysis of bacterial and host genomics and transcriptomics. The Research Associate will independently investigate, analyze, propose, and implement solutions in wet‑lab processes and genomic analyses, while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring high reliability and accuracy.

• Collect data on respiratory infections across multiple seasons in Canada.
• Analyze patterns of respiratory infections by year/season and pathogen.
• Develop and use predictive modelling, such as SARI MA modelling, to propose future patterns of respiratory infections.
• Combine data from multiple databases to conduct analyses.
• Mentor other research group members (undergraduate, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) in epidemiological modelling.
• Oversee and carry out research projects, including design and plan, prepare ethics applications, write grant proposals, conduct data collection and analysis, write final reports, produce manuscripts, submit abstracts, and present data at scientific meetings.
• Review protocols submitted to the VEC for implementation ideas and scientific enhancement.
• Represent the organization in forums as a speaker and disseminate findings, including publishing scholarly work.

• Provide leadership for data collection and analysis components, including development of study methodologies and instrumentation.
• Complete or oversee communication activities for the project with team members and partners.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with all team members.
• Lead or participate in study progress meetings with the research team.
• Lead ongoing analysis activities through regular meetings with researchers and research assistants.
• Identify and resolve real or potential problems.
• Manage overarching responsibilities for scientific and financial reporting; monitor expenditure relative to budget.
• Ensure exemplary file management and archiving for smooth operation and audit readiness.
• Organize research project symposia, conferences, lectures, seminars, or meetings, including scheduling, coordinating, and acting as moderator or note‑taker for virtual and in‑person meetings.

The Research Associate reports generally to the VEC Director and receives guidance from investigators on a co‑investigator level for specific projects.

The Research Associate will assist and oversee research assistants, trainees, and students, acting as a mentor and resource for masters and PhD students.

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, genomics).
• Minimum three years of postdoctoral experience in host and/or bacterial genomics and/or transcriptomics analysis.
• Proficiency in R, Python, and Bash scripting for bioinformatics analysis and data visualization.
• Experience with Unix/Linux command line for workflow management.
• Familiarity with workflow management systems (e.g., Nextflow, Snakemake).
• Experience with grant‑funded projects and study protocol requirements, including ethics approvals and good clinical practice.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team, accept responsibility, and work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to organize, analyse, and communicate scientific data.
• Experience supervising research team members.
• Experience presenting at scientific conferences.
• Ability to efficiently organize work assignments and establish priorities.
• Innovative and creative thinking with a logical approach to problem solving.

Submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of application—including a statement of areas of expertise, strengths, and the names of three referees—no later than 30 days after posting to . This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, especially Canadians and permanent residents of Canada, with priority given to Māori, Indigenous, disabled, and other marginalized groups.