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January
2006
 Job
Title and General Description
Ph.D. Candidate, M.A.Sc. Genome Sciences Centre, Bioinformatics
Group
I work in bioinformatics,
which involves the development and use of statistical and
computational techniques to analyze the data generated in
large-scale genomic studies. The interpretation of biological
data is challenging, as existing techniques are insufficient
due to the noisy structure and sheer quantity of these data.
What specific skills and qualities are
needed to do your job?
Bioinformatics requires a combination of knowledge and experience
with statistics, computer science and programming, as well
as understanding of biologic systems. I must be able to learn,
modify and apply existing computational techniques to perform
various types of data analysis. When such tools fail to generate
accurate results, I need to develop methods that can improve
the sensitivity and specificity of the analyses.
Communications skills are also essential in my line of work.
I must be able to communicate both with the clinical and research
staff as well as with the other members of the statistical
analysis group.
What do you like most about your work?
The research projects that I work with are very interesting.
At the moment, my project involves the use of high-resolution
microarray technology to identify chromosomal abnormalities
in children with mental retardation. We are comparing the
genetic make up of these children with that of their parents
to identify changes that may be contributing to mental retardation.
This is a relatively new application for microarray technology
so we have a lot to learn in order to develop proper statistical
tools and software that can interpret the data.
What don’t you like about your
job?
I have no major complaints about my job. My workload is often
high but I adapt to the changes in pace. The time lines on
different projects can vary as well.
Where do you see your career going from
here?
I plan to stay in research. In the future I would like to
lead a project in health research.
What is the range in salary that comes
with your job?
After completing my PhD, the average salary of a scientist
is about $50,000 per year.
When did you know you wanted to work
in sciences?
My interest in science developed in primary school. I was
interested in general science, Math and Engineering and was
fascinated by biology.
What is your educational background? Degrees?
Specific courses?
I have a degree in Computer Engineering from Shahid Beheshti
University in Tehran, Iran. I came to Canada and completed
a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Ryerson University
in Toronto. Then I moved to Vancouver and started my PhD in
the Genetics program at the University of British Columbia.
What was your favorite course(s) and why?
I enjoyed math, science and history classes.
What other hobbies and interests do you
have?
I am a big music fan and also keep myself busy with jogging
and skiing in the winter
Do you have any advice for young people
thinking about getting into your line of work?
Be sure to follow your heart. Look hard to find what really
interests and inspires you. Enjoy the path you choose to follow.
Women, do not be intimidated in fields like science and engineering.
Learn to be tough and prove you can do the job as well, or
better, than others.
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