Lead Computational Biologist, Genomics Research

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health and wellness programs

Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead Computational Biologist to guide a research team in genomics and bioinformatics. You will design pipelines for large-scale sequencing data and interpret complex datasets to drive discoveries in human genomics.

You will collaborate with international experts, publish findings, and mentor junior researchers while advancing computational biology methodologies in a premier institute in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• PhD required with proven leadership in research.
• 7+ years in computational biology or bioinformatics.
• NGS data analysis with population genetics or transcriptomics.
• Proficient in Python, R, Bash and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with HPC and cloud platforms.
• Excellent communication and project mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians.
• Design and implement pipelines for WGS, exome, and RNA-Seq.
• Analyze genomic data to identify variants and expression patterns.
• Collaborate with clinicians and wet-lab researchers.
• Develop and maintain genomic databases and resources.
• Stay current with genomics and computational methods.
• Present findings at conferences and contribute to publications.
• Ensure reproducibility and data integrity.

Skills

Team leadership

Bioinformatics

Genomics analysis

Python/R/Bash

Statistical analysis

Project mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Biology or related

Tools

GATK

SAMtools

STAR

DESeq2

Job description

About the Role

Join a pioneering research institution in Cape Town, Western Cape as a Lead Computational Biologist . Our client is at the forefront of genetic discovery, applying advanced bioinformatics and computational techniques to unravel the complexities of the human genome. This pivotal role involves leading a team of scientists in the design and execution of large-scale genomics projects, developing novel analytical pipelines, and interpreting high-throughput sequencing data. You will be instrumental in driving research forward, collaborating with international experts, and publishing high-impact findings. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of molecular biology and a passion for leveraging computational power to make groundbreaking discoveries in Cape Town . This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of genomic medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Design, develop, and implement sophisticated bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including whole-genome, exome, and RNA-Seq.
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of complex genomic datasets to identify disease-associated variants, gene expression patterns, and regulatory networks.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists, clinicians, and other researchers to define research questions and translate biological problems into computational approaches.
• Develop and maintain databases and computational resources for storing and accessing genomic data.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics tools, and computational biology methodologies.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publications.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and adherence to best practices in computational research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Expertise in analyzing next-generation sequencing data and a strong understanding of population genetics, transcriptomics, or epigenomics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Perl, or Bash.
• Hands-on experience with bioinformatics tools and software packages (e.g., GATK, SAMtools, STAR, DESeq2).
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and cloud computing platforms.
• Strong statistical knowledge and experience with statistical software.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and mentor junior researchers.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptionally competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including comprehensive health and wellness programs, a generous pension scheme, and extensive professional development opportunities.
• Researchers have access to cutting-edge technology and world-class facilities in Cape Town .
• The institute promotes a stimulating and collaborative research atmosphere, encouraging scientific exchange and innovation.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for successful candidates.
• This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the field of genomics.