Scientist Director, Clinical Cancer Genomics
BC Cancer
Vancouver, BC


BC Cancer - invites applications for a part-time (0.2 FTE) faculty position at the rank of Scientific Director. The successful candidate must be eligible for a faculty appointment at a BC Cancer Partner University, such as Simon Fraser University and/or the University of British Columbia. BC Cancer will facilitate this appointment process.


BC Cancer Provincial Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at BC Cancer Centre - Vancouver in conjunction with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, and team-oriented PhD for the position of Scientific Director of the Clinical Cancer Genomics Program. This 0.2 FTE position will focus on shaping the scientific direction of the Clinical Cancer Genomics Laboratory (CGL) at BC Cancer and provide leadership in instituting province-wide cancer genetics and genomics testing programs in BC.


Reporting to the Provincial Program Medical Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Cancer, the Scientific Director of the Clinical Cancer Genomics Program will work with the Medical Director and Operations Director to carry out strategic planning, identification and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and foster a culture of innovation and excellence. The Scientific Director has a crucial role in advancing the laboratory\xe2\x80\x99s capabilities in molecular diagnostics, laboratory informatics, and bioinformatics contributing to the BC Cancer\xe2\x80\x99s vision of delivering high-quality diagnostic services. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca.


The successful candidate will be required to engage in a multi-disciplinary program of molecular diagnostics, laboratory informatics, bioinformatics, and translational research. The candidate must be committed to building an integrative clinical program within the Clinical Cancer Genomics Laboratory at BC Cancer, emphasizing precision medicine. The specific objective is to implement a tumor-first genomics strategy leading to universal genomics testing for patients with cancer and maintain the control and accountability for standard-of-care cancer genomic testing in British Columbia.


Candidates for this position must hold a PhD or MD/PhD degree with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience with at least two (2) years of experience in molecular diagnostics or research that extensively uses next generation sequencing for the analysis of clinical specimens, with a proven track record of leadership and mentorship.


The successful candidate will have led a successful internationally recognized research program, as indicated by significant contributions to multiple high impact publications, sustained peer-reviewed funding from at least one national agency as a principal investigator, leadership of group grants, invited and competitive presentations, invited role as reviewer of journal articles and grants, and outstanding references by internationally recognized impartial authorities. The candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and research excellence in the area of Clinical Cancer Genomics, with an established track record and professional experience in existing and novel molecular diagnostic techniques, such as bioinformatics, genetic, genomic, proteomics, technologies, and platforms to enable and advance precision medicine. Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and quality assurance standards will be considered an asset. As a Scientific Director at BC Cancer and as a faculty member at a Partner University, the successful applicant will be expected to have an established strong externally-funded and internationally-competitive research program, collaborate with other faculty members, and actively participate in service to BC Cancer, the University, and the academic/scientific community.


Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of employment equity seeking groups as enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.


Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and provide 3 references (one must not be a co-author).


Applications should be addressed to:


Zu-hua Gao, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FCAHS
Staff Pathologist and Program Medical Director,
Provincial Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, BC Cancer.


Successful candidates will have:

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC\'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring


Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That\xe2\x80\x99s why we\xe2\x80\x99re focused on your care too \xe2\x80\x93 offering health, wellness, development programs to support you \xe2\x80\x93 at work and at home.

• Join one of BC\xe2\x80\x99s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations \xe2\x80\x93 offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San\xe2\x80\x99yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Part-Time (0.20 FTE)
Salary Range: $187,972 - $281,960 per year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate\xe2\x80\x99s relevant education and experience and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4E6
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday- Friday; 0800-1600 or as operationally required.
Requisition Number: 165718E


As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.


What we do


BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.


BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).


(PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people \xe2\x80\x93 Be compassionate \xe2\x80\x93 Dare to innovate \xe2\x80\x93 Cultivate partnerships \xe2\x80\x93 Serve with purpose.


Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services.


PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.


Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments\xe2\x80\x99 unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey\xe2\x80\x94one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.