Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 3,046,000 - 4,738,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive salary

Professional development budget

Wellness stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to spearhead the development and application of advanced computational methods for genomics data analysis in a fully remote, globally distributed team.

You will lead a team of bioinformaticians, drive the bioinformatics strategy, and translate complex data into actionable insights for therapeutic discovery and patient care, all while working in a flexible remote environment with state-of-the-art technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive bioinformatics experience with 2+ years in leadership.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis pipelines and tools (GATK, STAR, Cufflinks, Salmon).
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R with SciPy/NumPy/Pandas/Bioconductor.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) and containerization.
• Proven track record of publications and grants.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and validation of bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (WGS, Exome, RNA-Seq).
• Develop ML models to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Collaborate with biologists/clinicians to translate data into experiments.
• Mentor a remote team of bioinformaticians and guide career development.
• Oversee integration of multi-omics datasets.
• Ensure robust, scalable, reproducible workflows.

Skills

NGS data analysis

Python

R

Machine learning

Team leadership

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology or related

Tools

GATK

STAR

Cufflinks

Salmon

Docker

Singularity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology firm at the forefront of genomic research and personalized medicine, is seeking an exceptional Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to join their fully remote, globally distributed research and development team. This critical role will spearhead the development and application of advanced computational methods for analyzing large-scale genomic and proteomic datasets. The successful candidate will be instrumental in translating complex biological data into actionable insights that drive therapeutic discovery and patient care. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technologies and contribute to transformative breakthroughs in healthcare, all within a flexible remote work environment. You will lead a team of talented bioinformaticians, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the company's bioinformatics strategy and ensuring the highest quality of data analysis and interpretation. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on human health by leveraging the power of big data in biology. The fully remote nature of this role allows for greater flexibility and work-life balance, while maintaining access to a highly collaborative and supportive virtual environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and validation of bioinformatics pipelines for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis (e.g., whole-genome, exome, RNA-Seq).
• Develop and apply machine learning algorithms and statistical models to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret complex biological data and guide experimental design.
• Manage and mentor a team of bioinformatics scientists, providing technical guidance and career development support.
• Oversee the integration of diverse biological datasets (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic).
• Develop and maintain robust, scalable, and reproducible computational workflows.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the bioinformatics department and the company's research goals.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders and at international scientific conferences.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of data analysis and reporting.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, computational biology, and relevant 'Omics' technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. 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 NGS data analysis pipelines and associated software tools (e.g., GATK, STAR, Cufflinks, Salmon).
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, with experience in relevant libraries (e.g., SciPy, NumPy, Pandas, Bioconductor).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Singularity).
• Excellent understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team in a remote setting.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Proven track record of publications in high-impact journals and successful grant applications.

Benefits

• fully remote work environment, allowing for exceptional flexibility and work-life integration.
• highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Professional development is a priority, with ample opportunities for attending conferences, workshops, and online training.
• We also offer a wellness stipend, home office equipment allowance, and unlimited paid time off to ensure our team members can recharge and maintain a healthy balance.

Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we believe that empowering our employees through remote work enables us to attract and retain top talent from around the globe.