Laboratory Assistant

Sakata Seed Southern Africa (PTY) Ltd.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Sakata Seed Southern Africa (PTY) Ltd. is seeking a bioinformatics-focused data scientist to join the molecular biology team at Lanseria, SA. You will write scripts in R, Python and Bash to process large datasets and develop pipelines that support breeding programmes.

You will collaborate with marker scientists to translate data into actionable insights for variety development. A Master’s in Bioinformatics, genetics background, strong English, reliability and own vehicle are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics required.
• Background in Genetics and plant sciences desired.
• High level of English, written and spoken.
• Ability to write scripts and develop pipelines in R, Python and Bash.
• Own vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Write scripts in R, Python and Bash to process and analyze large datasets.
• Develop and apply computational tools to support breeding programmes.
• Collaborate with marker scientists in the marker discovery process.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Python

R

Bash

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Bioinformatics

Tools

R

Python

Bash

Job description

Are you keen to apply cutting edge data science and bioinformatics techniques to drive advancement? Would you like to be part of developing high-performing, market-leading vegetable varieties? Keen to join an innovative vegetable breeding team? As a member of the Sakata EMEA molecular biology team, you will be responsible for the analysis of large datasets and the development of bioinformatic pipelines. Your contribution to the team will ensure that the research team is able to develop varieties that satisfy the needs of customers across the region and beyond.

What will you do?

You will work closely with the marker scientists in the marker discovery process. Writing scripts in R, Python and Bash to process and analyze large data sets. Developing and applying computational tools to support breeding programmes.

Where will you work?

You will be based in South Africa at the company`s research facility in Lanseria, just west of Johannesburg. You will be joining a dynamic, multicultural team of researchers operating within EMEA.

Do you fit this profile?

You have:

• a Master’s Degree specializing in Bioinformatics
• a background in Genetics and plant sciences
• a high level of English, both written and spoken
• a good sense of service and are able to deal with deadlines
• the ability to write scripts and develop pipelines in R, Python and Bash to process and analyze large datasets
• your own vehicle

You are:

• a fast learner and comfortable in taking initiative
• a team player who finds it easy to communicate and collaborate within the team and with other departments
• service-orientated, well organized and able to work autonomously
• able to work within deadlines, with good personal time management

Do you want to know more about the company?

You will work for the research team of Sakata EMEA, part of the Sakata Group.

What makes Sakata different

While being a key international player in the seed business, the company has retained a family spirit.

This means 3 things:

• It’s a people-oriented company where it is easy to communicate at all levels.
• You will work closely with your colleagues and customers and will never be far from the fields.
• As a result of its Japanese origins, you'll be working for a stable company with an emphasis on long-term culture.

Working at Sakata offers you the opportunity to join a well-established company in the seed industry. As part of the team, you will experience a people-oriented culture while working alongside colleagues from different nationalities across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.