Lead Bioinformatics Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Conferences and professional training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Scientist in East London to head the design and deployment of bioinformatics pipelines for large-scale omics analyses.

You will guide cross-functional teams, apply advanced statistical methods and ML, and ensure reproducible analyses while collaborating with researchers to translate complex questions into computational solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral experience in bioinformatics, focusing on omics data analysis.
• Proven experience in leading and managing scientific teams and projects.
• Extensive knowledge of genomics, transcriptomics, and/or proteomics data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of bioinformatics pipelines for large-scale omics data analysis.
• Oversee interpretation of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets to identify biomarkers and targets.
• Mentor and manage a team of bioinformatics scientists and analysts.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to integrate diverse data types.

Skills

Genomics analysis

Transcriptomics

Proteomics analysis

Python

R

Nextflow

Galaxy

Bioconductor

Cloud computing

AWS

GCP

HPC

Statistics

Machine learning

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Post-doctoral experience

Tools

Bioconductor

Galaxy

Nextflow

AWS

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology firm at the forefront of genomic research, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to join their innovative team in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. This crucial position will involve leading the development and application of advanced computational and analytical methods to interpret complex biological data, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology, and statistical analysis, with a proven track record of managing data-intensive projects and leading scientific teams. You will play a key role in driving discoveries that advance our understanding of diseases and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with world-class researchers in a dynamic and growth-oriented environment. Our client is committed to scientific rigor, innovation, and fostering a collaborative team spirit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of bioinformatics pipelines for large-scale omics data analysis.
• Oversee the interpretation of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Manage and mentor a team of bioinformatics scientists and analysts, providing technical guidance and project oversight.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to integrate diverse data types and address key research questions.
• Develop and apply statistical methods and machine learning algorithms for data analysis and predictive modeling.
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and reproducibility of bioinformatics analyses.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals, grant applications, and scientific publications.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and biological databases.
• Manage data storage, processing, and computational infrastructure in collaboration with IT departments.
• Present research findings and analytical results to scientific audiences and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on omics data analysis.
• Proven experience in leading and managing scientific teams and projects.
• Extensive knowledge of genomics, transcriptomics, and/or proteomics data analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and/or Perl, and experience with relevant bioinformatics libraries and tools (e.g., Bioconductor, Galaxy, Nextflow).
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and high-performance computing environments.
• Strong statistical and machine learning expertise.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex biological questions and translate them into computational approaches.
• This role requires the candidate to be based full-time at our facility in East London.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise, along with performance-based bonuses. We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, dental, and vision insurance, and a strong retirement savings plan with company contributions. Relocation assistance is provided for candidates moving to East London. Continuous professional development is supported through funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training. We foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, offering ample paid time off. Our client is dedicated to employee well-being and work-life balance.