CIHR/MSFHR Bioinformatics Industrial Research Rotation Program: Call for Company Participants

Call for Company Participants for Sept to Dec 2006 term

$4,000 Grant for participating companies

Program Overview:

The CIHR/MSFHR Bioinformatics Training Program designed and taught by leading researchers and institutions in Vancouver, offers innovative, trans-disciplinary training to graduate students in health-related research. Established in 2002, the program operates as a partnership among Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer Agency.

Computational methods have transformed biological research. The ability to computationally predict biological structures through advanced techniques in computer modeling and the development of new algorithms are important tools necessary for advancing health research globally. Our students, who have had exposure to original research and the opportunity to complete significant practical work on real bioinformatics problems, can enhance and diversify an organization’s platform through fostering innovation.

Program Specifics

• Research placements are 4 months in duration - September to December
• All students will have completed required graduate-level courses and two academic research rotation
• Research projects must have ability to supplement a graduate student’s MSc or PhD thesis
• Participating companies are expected to provide remuneration equal to student’s stipend ~$6,000 (this will be augmented by a $4,000 grant to the participating company)
• Each project requires a sponsoring academic supervisor and an organization sponsor who will work directly with the student
• The student, sponsoring academic and organizational sponsor will meet at the initiation of the research project and agree on a research plan
• The student will remain affiliated with the university for the duration of the research project and will not be an employee of the organization.

Expectations of the Organization and Sponsor

• Organizations are expected to outline a research proposal two months before the start of the student placement (the program coordinator will send out a “call for proposals”)
• Organizations will develop a research plan in conjunction with the sponsoring academic supervisor and student
• The company sponsor will be available for support throughout the project to provide support to students in their dealings within the organization, and ensure that the student is not asked to do non-research related activities

Rotation Benefits

The industrial research rotation program provides an excellent opportunity to use bioinformatics techniques to address important applied issues and problems facing participating organizations and to help develop highly qualified researchers. Specific benefits to the sponsoring organizations include:

• Access to highly skilled researchers (both graduate students and University faculty)
• Opportunity for bioinformatics techniques to address critical issues facing their organizations
• Developing valuable relationships with both the University and bioinformatics community to provide future collaboration opportunities
• Increased profile and awareness of the organization through novel research and publications

Contact Information:

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact:

Bioinformatics Training Program Coordinator – sharonr@bcgsc.ca or call 604-707-5803.

Genome Sciences Centre, BCCA
100-570 West 7^th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6
Visit our website at: bioinformatics.bcgsc.ca