Lead Computational Biologist - Bioinformatics Platform Development

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Computational Biologist to spearhead a next‑generation bioinformatics platform in a remote-first setup. Lead architectural design, algorithm development, and a cross-disciplinary team of bioinformaticians and software engineers to deliver scalable, efficient tools for complex biological data.

You will guide cloud infrastructure, collaborate with domain experts, and drive innovative analysis methods across genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics in a fully remote

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a strong focus on algorithm development.
• Proven experience leading technical teams and managing software development projects.
• Expertise in at least one major programming language (e.g., Python, R, C++).
• Deep understanding of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel bioinformatics algorithms and pipelines.
• Architect and maintain a scalable, cloud-based bioinformatics platform.
• Manage and mentor a team of computational biologists and data scientists.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and domain experts to translate data needs into computational solutions.
• Develop and enforce best practices for code quality, version control, and documentation.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party bioinformatics tools and technologies.
• Present findings and platform capabilities to internal stakeholders and at external conferences.
• Drive innovation in data analysis methodologies for genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• Ensure the robustness, performance, and reliability of all developed software.

Skills

Python

R

C++

Machine Learning

Education

MS/PhD in Computational Biology or related field

Tools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Lead Computational Biologist to spearhead the development of our next-generation bioinformatics platform. This is a fully remote, high-impact role focusing on innovative solutions for complex biological data analysis.

You will be instrumental in defining the architectural roadmap, designing robust algorithms, and leading a team of talented bioinformaticians and software engineers. This position is ideal for an experienced computational biologist passionate about creating scalable, efficient, and user-friendly tools that accelerate biological discovery. If you thrive in a remote-first environment and are driven by the challenge of solving intricate scientific problems, this opportunity in George, Western Cape is for you. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of biological data interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel bioinformatics algorithms and pipelines.
• Architect and maintain a scalable, cloud-based bioinformatics platform.
• Manage and mentor a team of computational biologists and data scientists.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and domain experts to understand data needs and translate them into computational solutions.
• Develop and enforce best practices for code quality, version control, and documentation.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party bioinformatics tools and technologies.
• Present findings and platform capabilities to internal stakeholders and at external conferences.
• Drive innovation in data analysis methodologies for genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• Ensure the robustness, performance, and reliability of all developed software.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a strong focus on algorithm development.
• Proven experience leading technical teams and managing software development projects.
• Expertise in at least one major programming language (e.g., Python, R, C++).
• Deep understanding of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote role.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fully remote setting.

Benefits

As a fully remote position, we offer unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, generous stock options, comprehensive health coverage, and a substantial budget for professional development. You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to groundbreaking research from anywhere. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with regular virtual team-building events to maintain strong connections across our distributed workforce. This role is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional looking to make a significant impact in the field of bioinformatics.