Lead Computational Biologist - Structural Bioinformatics

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, BC, seeks a Lead Computational Biologist specializing in Structural Bioinformatics to lead a team and advance drug discovery through protein structure analysis, modelling, and MD simulations.

You will guide research efforts across structure-based design, collaborate with chemists and pharmacologists, and develop robust computational pipelines. The role blends independent project leadership with collaborative, cross-disciplinary work in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or related field with focus on structural bioinformatics.
• Minimum of 7 years post‑doctoral research in structural bioinformatics with leadership experience.
• Deep expertise in protein structure prediction, modelling and simulation techniques.
• Proficiency in computational chemistry and bioinformatics packages (Schrödinger, AMBER, GROMACS, Rosetta).
• Strong programming skills in Python or C++, with scripting for workflows.
• Solid understanding of protein structure, function, binding and interactions.
• Experience with structure‑based drug design methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of computational biologists in structural bioinformatics and molecular modelling.
• Develop computational strategies for protein structure prediction, analysis, and docking.
• Design and execute molecular dynamics simulations to study protein dynamics and interactions.
• Apply structure‑based drug design to identify and optimise lead compounds.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to guide drug discovery programs.
• Develop and maintain robust computational pipelines and workflows.
• Analyse large‑scale structural and functional datasets.
• Publish findings and present at international conferences.
• Stay updated with advances in computational biology and chemistry.
• Contribute to strategic direction of research within the organization.

Skills

Python

C++

Leadership

Mentoring

Molecular modelling

Education

PhD in Computational Biology

Post-doctoral experience

Tools

Schrödinger

AMBER

GROMACS

Rosetta

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in pharmaceutical research and development, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Computational Biologist specializing in Structural Bioinformatics to join their team. Based in Kimberley, this role is crucial for leveraging computational approaches to understand protein structure, function, and interactions, thereby accelerating drug discovery and design. You will lead a team of computational biologists, guiding research efforts in areas such as molecular modelling, simulation, and structure‑based drug design. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and computer science, contributing to the development of novel therapeutics. We are looking for a visionary leader with a deep expertise in structural biology and computational methods, passionate about solving complex biological problems. Your leadership will be instrumental in advancing our client’s drug discovery pipeline and fostering a culture of scientific innovation. The hybrid model offers a flexible approach to work, balancing focused research with collaborative team interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of computational biologists focused on structural bioinformatics and molecular modelling.
• Develop and implement computational strategies for protein structure prediction, analysis, and docking.
• Design and execute molecular dynamics simulations to study protein dynamics and interactions.
• Apply structure‑based drug design principles to identify and optimise novel lead compounds.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and pharmacologists to guide drug discovery programmes.
• Develop and maintain robust computational pipelines and workflows.
• Analyse large‑scale structural and functional datasets.
• Author high‑impact scientific publications and present findings at international conferences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in structural bioinformatics, computational chemistry, and related fields.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of computational biology research within the organisation.

Requirements

• PhD in Computational Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, or a related field with a strong focus on structural bioinformatics.
• Minimum of 7 years of post‑doctoral research experience in structural bioinformatics, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Deep expertise in protein structure prediction, molecular modelling, and simulation techniques (e.g., homology modelling, ab initio prediction, molecular dynamics).
• Proficiency in relevant computational chemistry and bioinformatics software packages (e.g., Schrödinger, AMBER, GROMACS, Rosetta).
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python or C++, and experience with scripting for scientific workflows.
• Solid understanding of protein structure, function, binding, and interactions.
• Experience with structure‑based drug design methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Superb communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing research projects and mentoring junior scientists.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and attractive retirement savings options. This hybrid role provides the flexibility to work both remotely and from our state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Kimberley, promoting a healthy work‑life balance. We are committed to employee growth and offer numerous opportunities for professional development, including attendance at leading scientific conferences and advanced training programmes. Join a world‑class research team and contribute to the discovery of life‑saving medicines. Our client cultivates an environment of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Enjoy a challenging and rewarding career at the forefront of pharmaceutical research.