Lead Bioinformatician

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Medical, dental, and optical coverage

Professional development opportunities

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance may be available

Access to advanced computational资源

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Bioinformatician in Midrand to spearhead data analysis and computational biology initiatives. You will lead a team, develop analytical pipelines, and collaborate with molecular biologists and clinicians.

The role requires strong technical expertise and strategic thinking in a hybrid work setting. The ideal candidate holds a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field, with 7+ years in bioinformatics and at least 2 years in leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, CS, Statistics, or related field.
• 7+ years in bioinformatics with at least 2 years in leadership roles.
• Strong programming in Python and R; shell scripting proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust bioinformatics pipelines for omics data.
• Mentor and lead a team of bioinformaticians.
• Collaborate with scientists to define analytical strategies for discovery projects.

Skills

Python

R

Shell scripting

Communication

Leadership

Education

PhD or Master's in Bioinformatics / Computational Biology / CS / Statistics

Tools

Docker

Singularity

AWS

GCP

Azure

NCBI / Ensembl / TCGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge biotechnology firm based in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA , is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Bioinformatician to spearhead their data analysis and computational biology initiatives. This role is pivotal in translating vast biological datasets into actionable insights that drive drug discovery and therapeutic development. You will lead a team of talented bioinformaticians, guide the development of analytical pipelines, and collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinical researchers. The position requires a blend of strong technical expertise in bioinformatics, excellent leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to address complex biological questions. We offer a stimulating work environment that encourages innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The ideal candidate will be passionate about leveraging computational approaches to solve real-world biological challenges and contribute to significant advancements in the field of life sciences. Our client is committed to excellence in scientific research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of robust bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data.
• Manage and mentor a team of bioinformaticians, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Collaborate with research scientists to define analytical strategies for discovery projects, including target identification and validation.
• Develop and maintain databases and computational infrastructure necessary for data storage and analysis.
• Implement and adapt cutting-edge algorithms and statistical methods for biological data analysis.
• Oversee quality control procedures for raw and processed data.
• Interpret analysis results and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and grant applications.
• Stay current with advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and biological research.
• Ensure the security and integrity of sensitive research data.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in bioinformatics, with at least 2 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Extensive experience with programming languages such as Python and R, and proficiency in shell scripting.
• Deep understanding of sequence alignment algorithms, genome assembly, variant calling, and RNA-Seq analysis.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Singularity).
• Familiarity with common bioinformatics databases and public repositories (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl, TCGA).
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and guide research directions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment is preferred.
• Must be able to commute to Midrand, Gauteng, ZA for designated in-office days.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and optical coverage.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Access to advanced computational resources.
• Dynamic and collaborative work culture.
• Employee assistance program.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.