Lead Computational Biologist - Bioinformatics & Genomics

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 2,324,000 - 3,320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Remote-friendly culture

Job summary

Placements24 is expanding its scientific team with a Lead Computational Biologist who will guide bioinformatics and genomics initiatives in a remote-first setting. You will oversee data-driven projects, mentor researchers, and drive innovative analyses across large-scale datasets.

The role emphasizes leadership, advanced pipelines, and collaboration with international researchers to translate complex data into actionable insights for precision medicine and life sciences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, CS, Statistics, Genetics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in computational biology or bioinformatics with genomics focus.
• Proven leadership experience in managing a team of computational scientists.
• Proficiency in Python, R, shell scripting; experience with bioinformatics libraries/tools (Bioconductor, GATK, STAR, Samtools).
• Hands-on experience with HPC environments and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Strong statistics and machine-learning knowledge for biological data; experience with NGS data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and application of advanced bioinformatics pipelines for genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data.
• Mentor and manage a team of computational biologists; foster collaboration.
• Design analyses to identify genetic variants, expression patterns, and regulatory networks.
• Develop machine learning models for biological data interpretation and prediction.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to design studies and validate findings.
• Ensure reproducible and scalable workflows using best software practices.
• Contribute to novel algorithm development and tool creation.
• Present findings to diverse audiences including non-specialists.
• Stay updated with advances in genomics and computational biology.
• Contribute to grant writing and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Python

R

Shell scripting

Bioconductor

GATK

STAR

Samtools

HPC

AWS

GCP

Azure

Machine learning

NGS data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/CS/Statistics/Genetics

Tools

Bioconductor

GATK

STAR

Samtools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly innovative firm in the Scientific Research & Development sector, is seeking a talented Lead Computational Biologist with expertise in Bioinformatics and Genomics. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for candidates passionate about driving advancements in biological data analysis. You will lead a team responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge computational strategies to analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets. Your work will be instrumental in uncovering biological insights, identifying disease biomarkers, and supporting precision medicine initiatives. This role requires a strong foundation in biology, computer science, and statistical analysis, coupled with proven leadership capabilities. You will collaborate with a global network of researchers, clinicians, and data scientists to translate complex biological data into actionable knowledge. Our client is committed to fostering a remote-first culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and impactful scientific contributions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of advanced bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data.
• Manage and mentor a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Design and execute computational analyses to identify genetic variants, gene expression patterns, and regulatory networks.
• Develop and implement machine learning models for biological data interpretation and prediction.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to design studies, interpret results, and validate findings.
• Ensure the reproducibility and scalability of computational workflows using best practices in software development.
• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms and analytical tools.
• Present complex computational findings to diverse audiences, including scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
• Contribute to grant writing and the preparation of scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a significant focus on genomics.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of computational scientists.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python, R, and shell scripting, along with proficiency in relevant bioinformatics libraries and tools (e.g., Bioconductor, GATK, STAR, Samtools).
• Hands-on experience with high-performance computing environments and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Deep understanding of statistical methods and machine-learning techniques applicable to biological data.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis is essential.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to tackle complex biological questions with computational approaches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote setting.
• A strong publication record in leading peer-reviewed journals is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and retirement savings plans. As a fully remote position, this role provides exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Employees have access to advanced computational resources and cloud-based infrastructure. Our client is dedicated to supporting professional growth through online learning platforms, virtual conferences, and opportunities for career advancement. Join a pioneering team at the forefront of computational biology, contributing to impactful research that shapes the future of medicine and life sciences.