Lead Computational Biologist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Stock options

Remote-friendly

Healthcare coverage

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay region seeks a Lead Computational Biologist to drive analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data in a remote‑first setting. Lead a team, develop analytical pipelines, and collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and data scientists on impactful projects.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD, 6+ years in the field, strong NGS pipeline experience, and proficiency in Python/R with ML and statistics.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, CS, Statistics, Genetics or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in computational biology or bioinformatics research with leadership experience.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis pipelines and tools (STAR, GATK, BWA, Samtools).
• Proficiency in Python and R with bioinformatics libraries.
• Strong background in statistics, machine learning, and data mining.
• Experience with biological databases and ontologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of computational pipelines for NGS data (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics).
• Develop advanced statistical and ML models to interpret complex data.
• Collaborate with biologists and clinicians to define research questions and strategies.
• Mentor junior team members and promote scientific rigor.
• Oversee QC and validation of methods and results.
• Communicate findings through presentations and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Python

R

Machine Learning

Statistics

Education

PhD in Computational Biology or related

Tools

STAR

GATK

BWA

Samtools

AWS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly growing genomics and bioinformatics company committed to revolutionizing personalized medicine through advanced computational approaches. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Computational Biologist to spearhead our analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets. This is a fully remote, senior-level position that offers the chance to make a significant impact on groundbreaking research. You will lead a team of talented computational biologists, develop innovative analytical pipelines, and collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of bioinformatics tools, statistical methods, and machine learning applied to biological data. You will be instrumental in uncovering novel insights into disease mechanisms, identifying therapeutic targets, and driving the development of cutting-edge diagnostic tools. This role is perfect for a driven individual looking to thrive in a collaborative, remote-first environment and contribute to the forefront of biological discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of computational pipelines for analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics).
• Develop and apply advanced statistical and machine learning models to interpret complex biological data.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to define research questions and analytical strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior computational biologists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Oversee the quality control and validation of analytical methods and results.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, computational biology, and relevant biological fields.
• Communicate complex findings effectively through presentations and publications.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of bioinformatics research projects.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables for computational biology initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in computational biology or bioinformatics research, with demonstrated experience leading projects or teams.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis pipelines and tools (e.g., STAR, GATK, BWA, Samtools).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, including relevant bioinformatics libraries.
• Strong background in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with common biological databases and ontologies.
• Excellent understanding of molecular biology and genetics principles.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous stock options package.
• Flexible remote working environment with supportive policies.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and learning.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Ample paid time off and holidays.
• Chance to contribute to impactful research in personalized medicine.