Lead Geneticist - Bioinformatics Specialization

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development support

Occasional remote work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Geneticist specializing in bioinformatics in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. Lead a team of scientists, oversee pipelines from raw data to analysis, and drive disease association studies with large genomic datasets.

The role requires a PhD and 7+ years in genetics research with strong computational skills across GATK/PLINK/BCFtools/SAMtools, plus cloud experience. Occasional remote work may be available.

Qualifications

• PhD in genetics, bioinformatics or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive genetics research with bioinformatics focus.
• Experience with large-scale genomic data analysis tools and pipelines.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and/or Perl.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of geneticists and bioinformaticians.
• Design and implement bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Apply statistical methods for genetic association studies and variant calling.
• Interpret genomic data to identify disease mutations and traits.
• Collaborate with external institutions and manage genomic databases.
• Mentor researchers and contribute to grant writing and publications.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Present findings at conferences.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genetics

Population genetics

Python

R

Perl

GATK

PLINK

BCFtools

SAMtools

Leadership

Mentoring

Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field

Tools

GATK

PLINK

BCFtools

SAMtools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in genomic research, is actively seeking a highly experienced Lead Geneticist with a specialization in bioinformatics to join their esteemed team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This crucial leadership role involves directing complex research initiatives focused on human genetics and disease association studies. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire bioinformatics pipeline, from raw data processing to advanced statistical analysis and interpretation. This position is based at our cutting‑edge facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, offering an unparalleled opportunity to work with vast genomic datasets and contribute to discoveries that could reshape personalized medicine. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of population genetics, statistical genetics, and advanced computational approaches. Join us in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to lead impactful research and mentor a talented team of scientists and bioinformaticians.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of geneticists and bioinformaticians engaged in cutting‑edge genomic research.
• Design and implement robust bioinformatics pipelines for next‑generation sequencing data analysis (WGS, WES, RNA‑Seq).
• Develop and apply advanced statistical methods for genetic association studies, variant calling, and phylogenetic analysis.
• Interpret complex genomic data to identify disease‑causing mutations and understand genetic contributions to complex traits.
• Collaborate with external research institutions and industry partners on joint projects.
• Oversee the management and curation of large‑scale genomic databases.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers, fostering their professional development.
• Contribute to grant writing and the preparation of manuscripts for high‑impact scientific journals.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with all relevant ethical and regulatory standards.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in genetics research, with a strong focus on bioinformatics and computational analysis.
• Extensive experience with large‑scale genomic data analysis tools and platforms (e.g., GATK, PLINK, BCFtools, SAMtools).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and/or Perl.
• Deep understanding of population genetics, statistical genetics, and human genomics.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and managing scientific teams.
• Proven ability to develop and validate novel bioinformatics algorithms and workflows.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) is a plus.
• A strong publication record in reputable peer‑reviewed journals is essential.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive remuneration package, reflecting the seniority and expertise required. Beyond a stimulating scientific environment in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, our client provides comprehensive health and wellness benefits, a robust retirement fund, and ample annual leave. We are committed to continuous learning and offer support for professional development, including attendance at leading scientific conferences. The role is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, with potential for occasional remote work for specific tasks, ensuring a balanced professional life.