Genomics Data Scientist

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote-first culture

Professional development

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Computational resources

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Genomics Data Scientist to join a fast-growing biotechnology client. This remote role is based in South Africa with a remote-first culture and preference for candidates in or near Klerksdorp, North West.

You will analyze complex genomic datasets to identify biomarkers, understand disease mechanisms, and contribute to precision medicine solutions while collaborating with scientists and engineers across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related quantitative field.
• Proven experience analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
• Strong Python and/or R with libraries (Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with bioinformatics tools like GATK, PLINK, Ensembl, NCBI.
• Solid statistical understanding and experimental design for genomics.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Matplotlib/Seaborn/Tableau).
• Good communication and ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical pipelines for large-scale genomics data.
• Apply statistics and ML to identify genetic variations and expression patterns.
• Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to frame research questions.
• Visualize findings in reports, presentations, dashboards.
• Stay up-to-date with genomics and data science advances.
• Contribute reusable code and tooling for data analysis.
• Ensure data quality, integrity and security throughout analyses.
• Mentor junior data scientists and support team growth.
• Explore new data sources to expand capabilities.

Skills

Python

R

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics

Data visualization

Git

Cloud computing

Communication

Remote collaboration

Statistical modeling

Education

Master's or PhD in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/Statistics/Data Science/Genetics

Tools

GATK

PLINK

Ensembl

NCBI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing biotechnology firm focused on unlocking the potential of the human genome, is seeking a talented Genomics Data Scientist to join their innovative team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in analyzing complex genomic datasets to identify novel biomarkers, understand disease mechanisms, and contribute to the development of precision medicine solutions. This is a unique opportunity to work on challenging problems with significant real-world impact, collaborating with a world-class team of scientists and engineers. We are looking for a candidate with a strong quantitative background, expertise in genomics data analysis, and a passion for applying data science techniques to biological challenges. The role is based out of Klerksdorp, North West, ZA , but the successful candidate will work remotely, embracing a remote-first culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust analytical pipelines for processing and interpreting large-scale genomics data (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, RNA-Seq).
• Apply statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to identify genetic variations, gene expression patterns, and other genomic features associated with specific traits or diseases.
• Collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and other data scientists to define research questions and design analytical strategies.
• Visualize and communicate complex genomic findings to diverse audiences through reports, presentations, and interactive dashboards.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and data science methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of reusable code and tools to improve data analysis efficiency and reproducibility.
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and security of genomic data throughout the analysis process.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings and contribute to project planning and strategy.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's overall technical growth.
• Explore novel data sources and analytical approaches to expand research capabilities.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Data Science, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience in analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, including experience with relevant libraries for data manipulation, statistics, and machine learning (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn).
• Proficiency with bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., GATK, PLINK, Ensembl, NCBI).
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and experimental design relevant to genomic studies.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, ggplot2, Tableau).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with cloud computing environments (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.
• Experience with version control systems like Git is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being.
• This includes excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at scientific conferences and training programs, are provided.
• Access to cutting-edge computational resources and software is available.
• A generous paid time off policy encourages rest and rejuvenation.
• Retirement savings plans with employer matching are offered.
• Our client fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment that values scientific rigor and innovation.