Lead Research Scientist - Genomics

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and performance-bon

Equity options and long-term incentive

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous vacation and sick leave

Professional development support

Relocation assistance to Durban

State-of-the-art genomics facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Research Scientist to head the genomics division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role requires extensive genomics expertise, NGS platform proficiency, and strong bioinformatics skills to drive novel research and therapeutic development.

The successful candidate will design innovative assays, mentor a team, publish findings, and collaborate across scientific teams while contributing to strategic planning and securing funding. Durban-based with relocation support available.

Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or Bioinformatics.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral genomics research with leadership experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with diverse NGS technologies (Illumina, PacBio, ONT).
• Proficiency in Python and R for genomic data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct genomics research initiatives within Durban.
• Design, develop, and optimize genomic assays and workflows using multiple NGS platforms.
• Oversee analysis of large genomic datasets with bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Interpret genomic data to identify variants, pathways, and disease biomarkers.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers on genomics projects.
• Mentor and guide research scientists and technicians.
• Publish high-quality research and present at conferences; contribute to patents.
• Ensure lab safety, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to strategic planning and technology roadmap for genomics.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets.

Skills

Genomics expertise

NGS data analysis

Biostatistics

Leadership

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or Bioinformatics

Tools

Python

R

Illumina / PacBio / Oxford Nanopore

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering life sciences company dedicated to unlocking the potential of genetic research, is looking for an accomplished Lead Research Scientist to spearhead their genomics division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior position requires an individual with extensive expertise in genomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, and bioinformatics analysis. You will be responsible for designing and managing groundbreaking research projects, developing innovative genomic assays, and interpreting complex genomic data to drive scientific discovery and therapeutic development. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD in Genetics, Genomics, or a related field, a strong publication record, and a proven ability to lead research teams. This is a premier opportunity to shape the future of genomic research within a dynamic and collaborative scientific community in Durban. We are seeking a leader who can inspire innovation, foster scientific excellence, and contribute significantly to our mission of advancing human health through genetic insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct research initiatives in genomics, focusing on areas such as whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, transcriptomics, and epigenomics within Durban.
• Design, develop, and optimize cutting-edge genomic assays and workflows using various NGS platforms.
• Oversee the analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, utilizing advanced bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Interpret complex genomic data to identify genetic variants, functional pathways, and disease biomarkers.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to design and execute collaborative genomics projects.
• Mentor and guide a team of research scientists and technicians, providing scientific direction and technical expertise.
• Author high-quality scientific publications, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to patent applications.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, data integrity, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and technological roadmap for the genomics department.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.

Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in genomics, with demonstrated experience leading research projects.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore).
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools, programming languages (e.g., Python, R), and statistical analysis for genomic data.
• Strong understanding of human genetics, population genetics, and disease genetics.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor research staff effectively.
• Excellent scientific communication, presentation, and publication skills.
• Experience in data visualization and reporting of complex genomic findings.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Knowledge of current trends and emerging technologies in the genomics field.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Equity options and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous vacation and sick leave allowance.
• Support for professional development, including conference attendance and workshops.
• Access to state-of-the-art genomics facilities and computational infrastructure.
• Contributory pension fund and life assurance.
• Relocation support for successful candidates moving to Durban.
• A dynamic and collaborative research environment with opportunities for significant scientific impact.