Computational Biologist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement annuity

Generous leave provisions

Conference funding

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Computational Biologist to help identify therapeutic targets and design drug candidates using cutting-edge computational approaches. You will work with bioscience and chemistry teams to translate data into actionable insights.

The role emphasizes large-scale data analysis, model building, and collaboration across disciplines in a state-of-the-art R&D setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology or related field.
• Strong experience in computational drug discovery or related areas.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as Biopython, RDKit.
• Solid understanding of molecular biology and disease pathways.
• Experience with cheminformatics and bioinformatics databases/tools.
• Familiarity with machine learning applied to biological/chemical data.

Responsibilities

• Apply computational methods to analyze genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic data for target identification and validation.
• Develop and implement predictive models for drug efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Design and execute in silico experiments to explore biological pathways and molecular interactions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to guide lead optimization efforts.
• Build and maintain databases of biological and chemical information.
• Develop custom software tools and scripts to facilitate research workflows.
• Visualize complex biological data and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Stay updated on the latest computational biology techniques and drug discovery technologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of computational drug discovery initiatives.

Skills

Python

R

Bioinformatics

Machine learning

Education

PhD in Computational Biology or related field

Tools

Biopython

RDKit

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical research organization, is seeking a talented Computational Biologist to join their innovative drug discovery team. This role is based in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , within a state-of-the-art research and development center. You will be at the forefront of identifying novel therapeutic targets and designing new drug candidates by leveraging advanced computational techniques. This position involves analyzing large biological datasets, building predictive models, and collaborating closely with experimental biologists and chemists. The ideal candidate has a strong background in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and computational modeling, coupled with a passion for translating scientific insights into tangible therapeutic advancements. Join a team dedicated to making a real difference in human health through cutting-edge research.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply computational methods to analyze genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic data for target identification and validation.
• Develop and implement predictive models for drug efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Design and execute *in silico* experiments to explore biological pathways and molecular interactions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to guide lead optimization efforts.
• Build and maintain databases of biological and chemical information.
• Develop custom software tools and scripts to facilitate research workflows.
• Visualize complex biological data and effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Stay updated on the latest computational biology techniques and drug discovery technologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of computational drug discovery initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in computational drug discovery or related areas.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., Biopython, RDKit).
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and disease pathways.
• Experience with cheminformatics and bioinformatics databases and tools.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to biological and chemical data.
• Experience with structural biology and molecular modeling is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, essential for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a retirement annuity, and generous leave provisions. We are committed to the professional growth of our employees and provide opportunities for attending scientific conferences, workshops, and access to advanced training programs. The role is located in the scenic and academically rich environment of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . Additional benefits include performance-based incentives, an employee assistance program, and a collaborative research culture focused on innovation and scientific excellence.