Research Assistant (Genome Curation)

About Hong Kong Genome Institute

The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), established and wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government, commenced full operations in 2021.  With the vision “*to avail genomic medicine to all for better health and well-being”*and supported by the Health Bureau, HKGI works in close collaboration with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, medical schools of local universities and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of genomic medicine in Hong Kong along four strategic foci: integrate genomics into medicine, advance research, nurture talents and enhance public genomic literacy.

As the first step towards achieving its vision, HKGI launched the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP) in 2021. As the city’s first large-scale genome sequencing project, HKGP serves as a catalyst to benefit patients and their families with more precise diagnosis and personalised treatment through whole genome sequencing. It also aims to establish genome database of the local population, testing infrastructure and talent pool to address the healthcare needs of Hong Kong in the long run.

For more information, please visit www.hkgi.org.

Research Assistant (Genome Curation)

Reporting to Research Officer (Genome Curation), the incumbent will assume the following responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and managing genome curation platform for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data
• Support the research officer in developing processes or models for variant prioritisation
• Receive training in tertiary analysis for whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, which includes (a) variant filtering and prioritisation (b) classification, and (c) selection of reportable variants
• Assist in data mining, curation, and interpretation of genome sequencing results according to current international standards
• Generate plots and figures to assist in the presentation of results
• Conduct basic literature reviews, research, and perform related clerical duties
• Participate in research and development activities
• Perform any other duties assigned by senior officers

Requirements:

We are seeking a high-calibre candidate for the post of Research Assistant (Genome Curation) who possesses:

• A bachelor's degree or above in Biomedical Sciences, Genetic Sciences, Health Sciences, Medical Statistics, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline
• Basic knowledge and experience in research studies, with a willingness to receive on-the-job training
• Familiarity with NGS technology and its data formats is preferred
• Proficiency in coding in Python or R, and data-wrangling skills such as extracting information from VCF files and manipulating data structures are desirable
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Cantonese (spoken) and English (written); strong written English is an advantage
• Strong teamwork and collaboration mindset
• Experience in genome research resulting in publications in international peer-reviewed journals is preferred
• Knowledge or experience in the analysis of cancer genomes, single-cell sequencing, and long-read sequencing data is a plus
• Experience in patient care, clinical research, and the use of digital health technologies in healthcare settings would be advantageous

Office Location:

Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin

Remuneration:

Successful candidate will be offered attractive remuneration and be appointed on an initial two-year contract (subject to mutual agreement for contract renewal).

Application:

Interested parties should send full resume enclosing current and expected remuneration together with availability to HKGI on or before 27 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Data collected will be used for recruitment purpose only.