Lead Computational Biologist - Genomics

Placements24; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Conference attendance and professional

Job summary

Placements24 in London is seeking a Lead Computational Biologist to direct advanced computational methods for large-scale genomic datasets and drive drug discovery programs.

You will mentor a team of computational biologists, collaborate with clinicians and lab scientists, and shape the research strategy for cutting-edge genomics projects. The role emphasizes HPC/cloud computing and publication in top journals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology or related quantitative field.
• 7+ years in computational biology or bioinformatics with genomics focus.
• Experience leading scientific teams and mentoring staff.
• Proficiency with Python, R and C/C++ for data analysis.
• Strong skills in statistical modeling, ML and data mining.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of computational pipelines for genomic data.
• Develop algorithms to identify genetic variants and expression patterns.
• Mentor a team of computational biologists and collaborate with researchers.
• Integrate computational insights with experimental validation and clinical context.
• Oversee large genomic datasets, ensuring reproducibility and storage efficiency.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
• Guide infrastructure choices for software, data management and computing.

Skills

Python

R

C/C++

Machine Learning

Genomics

NGS data analysis

Leadership

Data mining

Education

PhD in Computational Biology

Quantitative field

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

HPC / Cloud (AWS/GCP)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge biotechnology company focused on leveraging genomic data for personalized medicine, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Computational Biologist to join their innovative team in East London . This leadership position will be responsible for directing the development and application of advanced computational methods to analyze large-scale genomic datasets, driving biological insights that inform drug discovery and clinical diagnostics. You will lead a team of computational biologists, collaborate with cross-functional research units, and play a key role in shaping the company's research strategy. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within the life sciences sector of East London, Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of computational pipelines for the analysis of various genomic data types (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, RNA-seq, epigenomics). Develop and apply novel algorithms and statistical methodologies to identify genetic variants, gene expression patterns, and regulatory elements associated with disease. Manage and mentor a team of computational biologists, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative research environment. Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to integrate computational findings with biological hypotheses and experimental validation. Oversee the management of large genomic datasets, ensuring data integrity, reproducibility, and efficient storage. Contribute to the development of machine learning models for predicting disease risk, drug response, and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to publications in high-impact journals. Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics. Ensure the implementation of best practices in software development, data management, and scientific computing. Advise on the selection and implementation of computational infrastructure and tools.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a strong focus on genomics. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing scientific teams. Expertise in analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and proficiency with standard bioinformatics tools and algorithms. Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, and/or C/C++. Experience with statistical modeling, machine learning, and data mining techniques. Solid understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and biological pathways. Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills. Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) is essential. Proven track record of contributing to scientific publications and presentations.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, and outstanding opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international conferences and specialized training programs. Join an innovative and collaborative team in East London , working on cutting-edge genomic research. We offer a dynamic work environment that promotes scientific excellence and work-life balance. Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to the Eastern Cape .