Lead Bioinformatician - Genomics & Personalized Medicine

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Bioinformatician in Cape Town to direct the firm’s bioinformatics strategy and team. You will oversee NGS data analysis pipelines, drive methodological innovations, and collaborate with scientists and clinicians to translate data into diagnostics and therapies.

Ideal candidates have a PhD/Master’s in relevant field, 7+ years in bioinformatics including leadership, and strong skills in Python, R, SQL, and ML.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Statistics, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive bioinformatics experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis pipelines and tools like BWA, GATK, STAR, DESeq2.
• Proficiency in Python, R, Perl and shell scripting.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and management of bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, epigenomics).
• Develop and apply advanced statistical and ML methods for variant calling, annotation, interpretation, and disease association studies.
• Manage and curate large-scale genomic and clinical datasets with data integrity and accessibility.
• Oversee development and maintenance of bioinformatics databases and analytical tools.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Leadership experience

Bioinformatics expertise

Python

R

Perl

SQL

Machine learning

Communication skills

Education

PhD or Master's in Bioinformatics/Genomics/related field

Tools

BWA

GATK

STAR

DESeq2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology firm at the intersection of genomics and personalized medicine, is seeking a Lead Bioinformatician to direct their bioinformatics efforts in Cape Town, Western Cape. This senior role is crucial for analyzing complex genomic datasets, developing novel computational tools, and driving insights that will shape the future of patient care. You will lead a team of talented bioinformaticians, collaborating closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to translate large-scale sequencing data into actionable diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting‑edge research in a dynamic and collaborative environment within Cape Town, contributing directly to advancements in precision oncology and rare disease diagnostics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, epigenomics).
• Develop and apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods for variant calling, annotation, interpretation, and disease association studies.
• Manage and curate large-scale genomic and clinical datasets, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of bioinformatics databases and analytical tools.
• Collaborate with research scientists, clinicians, and software engineers to define project requirements and deliver high-quality results.
• Mentor and guide junior bioinformaticians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Contribute to the interpretation of genomic findings in the context of personalized medicine and therapeutic development.
• Present research findings to internal teams and external collaborators, including at scientific conferences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and relevant computational biology fields.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., POPIA) and ethical research practices in Cape Town.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in bioinformatics, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis pipelines and associated software (e.g., BWA, GATK, STAR, DESeq2).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R, Perl) and shell scripting.
• Strong understanding of statistical genetics, population genetics, and machine learning techniques.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., SQL) and data management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects, mentor team members, and collaborate effectively with diverse scientific disciplines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex data.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and high-performance computing environments is a plus.
• Must be able to work effectively within our Cape Town office, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Our client provides a stimulating work environment with access to cutting‑edge technologies and collaborative research opportunities.
• The compensation package includes a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance‑based bonuses.
• We offer significant opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and attendance at international scientific conferences.

Join our team in Cape Town, Western Cape, and help us revolutionize healthcare through genomic insights.