Lead Computational Biologist - Genomics Analysis

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,990,000 - 2,986,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive health insurance and D/V

Stock options and equity participation

Flexible hours and fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Computational Biologist with a focus on Genomics Analysis to guide a fully remote global team. You will design and implement advanced genomics analysis pipelines, lead a team of computational biologists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutics.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a quantitative field and 7+ years of genomics data experience, with strong Python/R skills and cloud experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in computational biology and genomics data analysis.
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring a team of computational scientists.
• Expertise in analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data using common bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, and experience with command-line interfaces and scripting (e.g., Bash).
• Solid understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and statistical principles.
• Experience with various genomic data types and associated analytical methods.
• Proficiency in data visualization techniques and tools.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, particularly in a remote environment.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) for large-scale data analysis is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of computational pipelines for analyzing large-scale genomics datasets (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, epigenomics).
• Design and execute analyses to identify genetic variants, gene expression patterns, and regulatory elements associated with disease.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret findings and guide experimental strategies.
• Mentor and manage a team of computational biologists, fostering scientific rigor and productivity.
• Develop and implement statistical and machine learning models for genomic data interpretation.
• Ensure data integrity, quality control, and reproducibility of all computational analyses.
• Contribute to the writing of research papers, grant proposals, and internal reports.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology tools and methodologies.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and internal team meetings.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively within a remote team structure.

Skills

Leadership

Python

R

Bash/CLI

Data visualization

Remote collaboration

Cloud computing

Education

PhD in Computational Biology or related

Tools

NGS analysis tools

Genomics pipelines

Bioconductor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering life sciences company, is actively recruiting a Lead Computational Biologist with a focus on Genomics Analysis for their fully remote global team. This is a unique opportunity to lead critical research initiatives aimed at deciphering complex genomic data to drive breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutics. You will guide a team of computational biologists, design and implement sophisticated analysis pipelines, and collaborate with cross-functional scientific teams. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in bioinformatics, genomics, and a proven ability to lead projects and teams in a remote setting. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to advancing human health through cutting-edge biological research, all with the flexibility of working from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of computational pipelines for analyzing large-scale genomics datasets (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, epigenomics).
• Design and execute analyses to identify genetic variants, gene expression patterns, and regulatory elements associated with disease.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret findings and guide experimental strategies.
• Mentor and manage a team of computational biologists, fostering scientific rigor and productivity.
• Develop and implement statistical and machine learning models for genomic data interpretation.
• Ensure data integrity, quality control, and reproducibility of all computational analyses.
• Contribute to the writing of research papers, grant proposals, and internal reports.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology tools and methodologies.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and internal team meetings.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively within a remote team structure.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in computational biology and genomics data analysis.
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring a team of computational scientists.
• Expertise in analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data using common bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, and experience with command-line interfaces and scripting (e.g., Bash).
• Solid understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and statistical principles.
• Experience with various genomic data types and associated analytical methods.
• Proficiency in data visualization techniques and tools.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, particularly in a remote environment.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) for large-scale data analysis is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous stock options and equity participation.
• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work arrangement.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Access to robust cloud computing resources and specialized bioinformatics software.
• Collaborative and innovative team culture focused on scientific impact.
• Opportunities for significant career advancement within a leading biotech firm.
• Contribute to groundbreaking research that improves patient outcomes.