Lead Bioinformatician - Genomics Research

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend & setup support

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Professional development opportunities

Generous vacation policy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Bioinformatician to drive genomics research from a fully remote setting. You will design pipelines for NGS data, apply ML models, and collaborate with scientists worldwide.

You will oversee a small team, publish results, and ensure data privacy and strong data management. A PhD and 7+ years in bioinformatics are required, with leadership experience.

The role offers competitive compensation, remote-friendly policies, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science or related field.
• 7+ years in bioinformatics with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis tools and workflows.
• Strong Python and/or R programming skills; experience with HPC or cloud.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and communicate results clearly.
• Track record of independent research and peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement pipelines for NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Develop statistical/ML models to identify variants and pathways.
• Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to translate questions.
• Manage genomic databases ensuring data integrity and privacy.
• Mentor a bioinformatics team and foster collaboration.
• Contribute to publications and presentations.

Skills

Python

R

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

BWA

GATK

STAR

DESeq2

HPC/Cloud

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Bioinformatician to spearhead their genomics research initiatives. This fully remote position is critical for developing and implementing advanced computational strategies to analyze large-scale genomic datasets. You will be a key player in discovering genetic variations, understanding disease mechanisms, and driving innovation in personalized medicine from your home office. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of genomic research for our client, working with a globally distributed, highly collaborative team committed to scientific excellence and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in genetic science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust computational pipelines for processing and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including whole-genome, exome, and RNA-Seq.
• Develop and apply statistical and machine learning models to identify genetic variants, biomarkers, and pathways associated with specific diseases or traits.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to define research questions and translate them into bioinformatic analyses.
• Manage and maintain large genomic databases, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and compliance with privacy regulations.
• Oversee and mentor a team of bioinformaticians, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative research environment.
• Contribute to the development of scientific publications and presentations based on research findings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in bioinformatics, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis tools and workflows (e.g., BWA, GATK, STAR, DESeq2).
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, and familiarity with high-performance computing environments (e.g., HPC clusters, cloud platforms).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex bioinformatics projects and effectively communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven track record of independent research and contributing to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with potential for annual bonuses based on performance.
• Comprehensive remote work setup support and stipends.
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage with excellent provider networks.
• Generous vacation policy and paid holidays, encouraging work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to online courses and conferences.