Lead Bioinformatics Analyst

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Training support

Advanced infrastructure

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Analyst to join a renowned genomics research institute in Klerksdorp. You will lead a team in analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets, and develop robust pipelines for NGS data analysis to drive new discoveries.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in bioinformatics or a related field, at least six years of hands-on experience with NGS (WGS/WES/RNA-Seq), and strong programming skills (Python, R).

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in bioinformatics analysis, with at least 2 years in a team lead or supervisory role.
• Strong expertise in analyzing NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R, Perl) and experience with bioinformatics libraries.
• Experience with Unix/Linux environments and high-performance computing clusters.
• Solid understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and mentor junior team members.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience working in a research setting in or near Klerksdorp is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced bioinformatics pipelines for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.
• Manage and mentor a team of bioinformatics analysts, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Analyze large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic datasets to identify biological insights and patterns.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists, clinicians, and researchers to define analytical strategies and interpret results.
• Develop and maintain robust data management systems and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and technologies.
• Present findings to scientific committees, at conferences, and contribute to publications.
• Ensure efficient and effective use of computational resources.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing bioinformatics workflows.

Skills

NGS data analysis

Python

R

Team leadership

Unix/Linux

HPC

Biology/genomics

Education

PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics

Tools

Bioinformatics libraries

High-performance computing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned genomics research institute, is seeking an experienced and driven Lead Bioinformatics Analyst to join their cutting-edge facility in Klerksdorp. This critical role will involve leading a team in the analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets, contributing to significant discoveries in personalized medicine and disease research. You will be responsible for developing and implementing robust bioinformatics pipelines, interpreting complex biological data, and collaborating with geneticists and molecular biologists. We are looking for a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise and a passion for unlocking the secrets held within genomic information. This position in Klerksdorp offers a unique opportunity to drive impactful research.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced bioinformatics pipelines for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.
• Manage and mentor a team of bioinformatics analysts, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Analyze large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic datasets to identify biological insights and patterns.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists, clinicians, and researchers to define analytical strategies and interpret results.
• Develop and maintain robust data management systems and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and technologies.
• Present findings to scientific committees, at conferences, and contribute to publications.
• Ensure efficient and effective use of computational resources.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing bioinformatics workflows.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in bioinformatics analysis, with at least 2 years in a team lead or supervisory role.
• Strong expertise in analyzing NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R, Perl) and experience with bioinformatics libraries.
• Experience with Unix/Linux environments and high-performance computing clusters.
• Solid understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and mentor junior team members.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience working in a research setting in or near Klerksdorp is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience
• comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• a generous employer‑matched retirement savings plan
• We provide ample opportunities for professional development, including funding for training, conferences, and workshops.
• Employees enjoy access to state‑of‑the‑art computational infrastructure
• a collaborative, intellectually stimulating work environment
• This role in Klerksdorp offers a chance to contribute to significant advancements in genomic research.