|
January
2006
 Job title and General Description
Scientist – Genome Sciences Centre
I am involved in Fingerprint Mapping. This involves creating
fingerprint maps of various genomes, from 1 Mb bacterial genomes
to 3 Gb mammalian genomes. So far we have worked on over 20
different organisms, including human, rat, mouse, salmon and
poplar. In addition to constructing fingerprint physical maps,
we use fingerprints in comparative studies (e.g. different
strains of an organism) to verify sequence assemblies and
to detect rearrangements in aberrant genomes, e.g. cancer.
My job revolves around the computational aspects of storage,
management and analysis of fingerprint data that we generate.
I am also involved in writing grant proposals for new projects
and manuscripts to document discoveries in scientific journals.
In our study of rearrangements in cancer genomes I work closely
with both the laboratory staff and the bioinformatics group.
What specific skills and qualities are
needed to do your job?
My job requires an ability to look at the big picture. I must
be able to work well independently as well as in a team. As
my job involves a lot of problem solving and developing new
ideas, I need to be curious and excited by discovery. This
job requires the ability to handle the ups and downs of the
unknown. I need to be able to handle confusion in order to
find the solution to problems and new directions to move the
research in.
What do you like most about your work?
I enjoy the uncertainty of my job. I look forward to the new
things and the changes. My job has a broad description. It
allows me to be creative and experiment with ideas.
What don’t you like about your job?
Sometimes my job leaves me isolated in that I am the only
one that knows the issues and projects that I am working through.
Because of this I often need to depend on myself to find the
answers I’m looking for.
Where do you see your career going from
here?
I enjoy the excitement of not knowing what will be next. I
like to leave my plans open to follow opportunities as they
come up. With the cycle of concept development, grant writing
and projects that my job brings there are always new things
coming up.
What is the range in salary that comes
with your job?
This type of job could range from $60,000-$90,000 depending on
experience.
When did you know you wanted to work in
sciences?
I have always enjoyed physical sciences. I had summer jobs
in various chemistry and physics labs and it felt like a good
fit.
What is your educational background? Degrees?
Specific courses?
I had a broad range of interests in university. I did two
B.Sc. degrees at the University of Ottawa, one in Math and
Physics, and another in Biochemistry. At UBC I completed a
MSc in Physics working with Medical Imaging. I started at
the Genome Sciences Centre as a systems administrator.
What was your favorite course(s) and why?
My favorite course was at the University of Ottawa. It was
a course on Statistical Mechanics. It was the first time that
I saw how the description of the world at micro-scales (molecules
and atoms) relates to the description at macro-scale (you
and me). Just like the random movement of molecules results
in a well-behaved substance, such as a gas, so do the many
complex interactions within a cell result in an organized,
higher organism.
What other hobbies and interests do you
have?
I really enjoy photography and tinkering with computers. I
am involved in the martial art of Aikido as well.
Do you have any advice for young people
thinking about getting into your line of work?
Don’t try to fit into a pre-existing job mould. Don’t
be afraid to make your own roads. Think of what you enjoy
doing on a Sunday afternoon and turn it into a career!
|
