Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 2,030,000 - 3,046,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Stock options

Health insurance

Home office stipend

Paid time off

Cutting-edge infrastructure

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Scientist for a fully remote research team. This senior role drives innovation in analyzing large-scale biological data—genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics—by developing and implementing advanced computational pipelines and leading key bioinformatics projects.

You will mentor analysts, collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and data scientists to translate complex datasets into actionable insights that accelerate drug discovery and improve

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics or related field.
• 6+ years of bioinformatics experience.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring staff.
• Hands-on NGS data analysis: variant calling, RNA-seq, epigenomics.
• Programming in Python/R; familiarity with tools and databases.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Analyze genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets for insights and biomarkers.
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to biological data.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and data analysts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to design experiments and interpret results.
• Stay current with advancements in bioinformatics and genomics.

Skills

NGS analysis

Python

R language

Mentoring

Cloud computing

Genomics knowledge

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Tools

Docker

AWS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering genomics and personalized medicine company, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to join their fully remote research team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced scientist to drive innovation in the analysis of large-scale biological data, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The Lead Bioinformatics Scientist will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced computational pipelines, leading bioinformatics projects, and mentoring a team of talented analysts. Working remotely, you will collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and data scientists to translate complex datasets into actionable insights that accelerate drug discovery and improve patient care. This role is perfect for an individual who thrives on solving complex biological questions using cutting-edge computational approaches in a flexible, remote work setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Analyze and interpret large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets to identify key biological insights and biomarkers.
• Develop and apply statistical and machine learning methods to biological data.
• Collaborate with internal research teams (e.g., genomics, computational biology, clinical development) to design experiments and interpret results.
• Mentor and guide junior bioinformaticians and data analysts.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology.
• Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and efficient management of computational resources.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on analyzing large-scale biological data.
• Proven experience in leading bioinformatics projects and mentoring junior staff.
• Extensive hands-on experience with NGS data analysis, including variant calling, RNA-seq analysis, and epigenomic analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R, Perl) and experience with relevant software packages and databases.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced research environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Stock options package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Remote work flexibility with a generous home office stipend.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Access to cutting-edge computational infrastructure and resources.
• Opportunities for significant career advancement and impact in a rapidly growing field.