Lead Computational Biologist (Remote)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Computational Biologist to drive insights from genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. The role is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world.

You will develop cutting-edge bioinformatics pipelines, collaborate with biologists and data scientists, and mentor a team of computational biologists. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in the field, strong ML and cloud experience, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Masters/PhD in Computational Biology or related quantitative field.
• 7+ years in computational biology/bioinformatics, with leadership experience.
• Proficiency in Python/R and scientific libraries.
• Experience with HPC and cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure).
• Strong statistical, ML, and data-mining skills on biological data.
• Proven project leadership and mentoring ability.
• Excellent communication and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and application of computational methods for large biological datasets.
• Design robust bioinformatics pipelines for data processing and QC.
• Collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and data scientists to define questions.
• Develop predictive models and biomarkers for drug targets.
• Mentor a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians.
• Stay updated with advances in bioinformatics and ML.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to strategic direction of bioinformatics efforts.
• Ensure reproducibility and transparent analyses.
• Manage timelines and project deliverables for initiatives.

Skills

Python

R

Leadership

HPC

Cloud platforms

Machine learning

Biology data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Computational Biology

Tools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client is revolutionizing pharmaceutical research and development from their core operations, seeking an exceptional Lead Computational Biologist to drive critical insights from complex biological data. This role is entirely remote, offering flexibility while requiring a highly organized and self-motivated individual. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing cutting-edge bioinformatics pipelines and analytical frameworks to support drug discovery and precision medicine initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomic data analysis, coupled with strong programming skills. Joining our client means becoming part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to transforming healthcare through data-driven innovation, working from anywhere in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of advanced computational and statistical methods for analyzing large-scale biological datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.).
• Design and implement robust bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, and downstream analysis.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, clinicians, and data scientists to define research questions and analytical strategies.
• Develop predictive models and algorithms to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers.
• Mentor and guide a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, machine learning, and computational biology.
• Communicate complex findings clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the bioinformatics and data science efforts within the organization.
• Ensure reproducibility and transparency of computational analyses.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables for computational biology initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and associated scientific libraries.
• Extensive experience with high-performance computing environments and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and data mining techniques applied to biological data.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.
• Experience with various biological data types and associated analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of biological pathways, disease mechanisms, and drug discovery processes.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a generous retirement savings plan. You will have access to the latest computational resources and opportunities for professional growth, including funding for conferences and training. This role offers unparalleled flexibility and the chance to make a significant impact on drug discovery from the comfort of your home office.