Lead Scientist - Genomics and Bioinformatics

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical benefits

Disability coverage

Retirement plans

International travel

Computational resources

Job summary

Placements24 in George, South Africa, seeks a Lead Scientist in Genomics and Bioinformatics to lead advanced sequencing projects and analyze complex biological data. You will drive experimental design, develop pipelines, and oversee a team of researchers.

The role requires a PhD, 7+ years in genomics, and expertise in Python, R, shell, and HPC environments, with opportunities for international travel and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of genomics research experience with focus on bioinformatics analysis.
• Proven leadership experience managing scientific projects and teams.
• Expertise in next-generation sequencing technologies and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and shell scripting; experience in HPC environments.
• Strong understanding of statistics and ML in biological data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of genomic sequencing experiments and analysis pipelines.
• Develop and optimize bioinformatics workflows for large-scale genomic data analysis (variant calling, annotation, population genetics).
• Mentor and manage a team of scientists and bioinformaticians; oversee timelines and deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal and external groups to integrate genomic data into broader projects.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security of genomic data and metadata.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Data analysis

Python

R

Shell scripting

HPC

Statistics & ML

Education

PhD in Genomics/Bioinformatics/CS

Tools

Python

R

Shell scripting

HPC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic Lead Scientist with expertise in Genomics and Bioinformatics to join their pioneering research team in George . This critical position involves leading the development and application of advanced genomic sequencing technologies and bioinformatics pipelines to uncover insights from complex biological datasets. You will guide a team of researchers and bioinformaticians, ensuring the successful execution of high-impact research projects focused on understanding genetic variation and its implications for health and disease. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the direction of genomic research and contribute to significant scientific discoveries in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of cutting-edge genomic sequencing experiments and analysis pipelines.
• Develop and optimize bioinformatics workflows for large-scale genomic data analysis, including variant calling, annotation, and population genetics.
• Manage and mentor a team of scientists and bioinformaticians, overseeing project timelines and deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal and external research groups to integrate genomic data into broader research initiatives.
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and security of genomic data and associated metadata.
• Stay current with advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology, and explore new methodologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in genomics research , with a strong focus on bioinformatics analysis.
• Proven leadership experience managing scientific projects and teams.
• Expertise in next-generation sequencing technologies (e.g., Illumina, PacBio) and associated data analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and shell scripting, along with experience in high-performance computing environments.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and machine learning applications in biological data analysis.

Benefits

• An attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority and expertise required.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, disability, and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for international travel to present research and attend key scientific meetings.
• Access to state-of-the‑art computational resources and sequencing facilities.
• A forward-thinking research culture in George , fostering scientific curiosity and collaboration.