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Position summary:
Do you want to make a meaningful impact in life sciences research by developing cutting-edge technology for data sharing?
Join the Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics (C3G) at McGill University, where we build open-source Research Data Management (RDM) solutions that support every stage of the genomics and health data lifecycle. Our work powers data discovery portals, APIs, databases, and tools that help researchers harmonize, store, retrieve, share, and analyze genomics and clinical data. These tools support large-scale studies and international data-sharing initiatives in human health research, such as:
The Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL)
The International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC)
The Quebec COVID-19 Biobank (BQC19)
The Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Cancer Centre Network (MoHCCN)
We also provide bioinformatics analysis software and high-performance computing services to the life sciences research community, including widely used analysis pipelines.
We are seeking a Web Application Specialist to engage in the development of online data sharing solutions, notably the Bento Platform (https://github.com/bento-platform), which supports the Pan-Canadian Genome Library (https://genomelibrary.ca/), and other projects in the fields of genomics, epigenomics, and life science.
The ideal candidate has several years of experience developing web applications in diverse environments.
Under the supervision of a Bioinformatics Manager, the Web Application Specialist will implement and maintain client-side and server-side applications, extending the tools and technologies already in place using JavaScript (React/TypeScript), Python, Postgre, Docker and more. Short development cycles will involve small but frequent releases, and constant interactions with the bioinformatics platform team members.
Primary Responsibilities
Design, build, test, deploy, monitor and maintain high-quality interactive web applications using Javascript with React
Develop server-side applications and scripts, such as back-end data services and quality control pipelines, using Python
Iteratively write code to incorporate new concepts and test new designs
Focus on user experience, intuitive interfaces and interaction layers to create user-friendly web pages and applications
Ensure implementation is done using the best coding practices, including proper code commenting, unit testing, etc.
Contribute in technological research and the prototyping of new clinical/genomics data services
Setup and maintain automation tools for testing, continuous integration & delivery
Optimise code when needed while making use of good software practices
Make use of an issue tracking system to document tasks, issues and bugs, and their resolution status
Ensure that all finished solutions work within a variety of browser types and screen settings along with the constraints set by development and design
Qualifying Skills And/Or Abilities:
Hard skills:
Experience with a Javascript framework (e.g. React, Node) in developing full-scale web applications is mandatory. Providing links to examples of web applications the applicant has worked on is highly recommended.
Experience with server-side programming/scripting, such as with Python.
Experience with the Git version control system.
Undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering or related field.
Soft skills:
Demonstrated sound intuition in making efficient and simple-to-use browser-based interactive tools and interfaces.
Interest in developing fully open-source solutions
Having an open mind towards new technologies, with at least basic knowledge of the various layers involved in web application development (full-stack).
Attention to detail, good communication and organisational skills and ability to work in a highly interactive group.
Capable of getting multiple tasks assigned at once, and making them all progress steadily.
Strong Assets:
Experience with Python frameworks like Flask and Django.
Experience with relational databases (RDBMS), such as Postgre and MySQL.
Experience with applications containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Podman).
Interest in the field of genetics and bioinformatics.
English and French (spoken and written).
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
(MPEX Grade 06) $80,510.00 - $100,640.00 - $120,770.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-IST3S - Research Software Development - Senior Professional
33.75 (Full time)
Bioinformatics Manager
Position End Date (If applicable):
2026-12-31
2025-07-06
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
