Computational Biologist - Genomics & Bioinformatics

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development and workshops

Access to HPC clusters and bioinfo软件

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA seeks an accomplished Computational Biologist to join a leading R&D team. The role blends autonomous research with collaboration across scientists and clinicians, focused on genomics and bioinformatics.

You will analyze large datasets, develop novel algorithms, and contribute to cutting-edge projects within a flexible hybrid work model that includes remote work and essential on-site interactions.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, CS, statistics or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 5 years of research experience in genomics and bioinformatics.
• Strong programming in Python, R or Perl, and experience with bioinformatics libraries.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets using advanced bioinformatics tools.
• Develop computational methods for data integration, pattern discovery and hypothesis generation.
• Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to design studies and interpret results.
• Build and maintain bioinformatics databases and workflows for data management.
• Contribute to novel algorithms for variant calling, gene expression analysis, and phylogenetics.
• Ensure reproducibility and rigor of analyses in a hybrid research setting.
• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

Linux

NGS pipelines

Statistical methods

Education

PhD in Computational Biology

Master's in a related field

Tools

Ensembl

NCBI

UCSC Genome Browser

Job description

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an accomplished Computational Biologist to join their leading research and development team, based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA . This role is designed for individuals passionate about leveraging advanced computational approaches to unravel complex biological questions, particularly in the realm of genomics and bioinformatics. You will be instrumental in analyzing large-scale biological datasets, developing novel algorithms, and contributing to cutting‑edge research projects. This position offers a significant degree of autonomy and the chance to collaborate with a world‑class team of scientists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians. While the primary location is Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA , this role embraces a flexible hybrid work model, allowing for effective remote work alongside essential in‑person team interactions. We are looking for a self‑motivated individual with a strong analytical mindset and a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable biological insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze large‑scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets using advanced bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Develop and implement computational methods for data integration, pattern discovery, and hypothesis generation.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to design research studies and interpret results.
• Build and maintain bioinformatics databases and workflows for efficient data management and analysis.
• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms for variant calling, gene expression analysis, and phylogenetic reconstruction.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
• Author and co‑author research manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Provide computational support and expertise to research collaborators.
• Ensure the reproducibility and rigor of computational analyses in a hybrid research setting.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in genomics and bioinformatics.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or Perl, and experience with relevant bioinformatics libraries.
• Proficiency in using command‑line tools and working in Linux/Unix environments.
• Experience with next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis pipelines.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Familiarity with public biological databases (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance‑based incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between remote work and on‑site collaboration.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending workshops, and conferences.
• Access to high‑performance computing clusters and cutting‑edge bioinformatics software.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in biological research.
• Supportive team culture focused on innovation and scientific excellence.