Lead Scientist - Genomics Research

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional development budget

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Scientist to spearhead Genomics Research initiatives in a fully remote capacity. You will establish and lead a remote research team, define the research agenda, secure funding, and drive projects from concept to publication.

You will oversee high-throughput sequencing experiments, develop novel analytical methods, and collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance global health breakthroughs.

Qualifications

• PhD in genomics or related field with post‑doctoral/industry experience.
• Proven leadership of research teams, preferably remote.
• Deep expertise in next‑generation sequencing and related analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define the strategic vision and roadmap for the genomics program.
• Lead, mentor and manage a remote team of researchers.
• Design and oversee high-throughput sequencing experiments and data analysis pipelines.
• Develop methods for variant discovery, functional genomics, and population genetics.
• Secure external funding via grant writing and partnerships.
• Ensure ethical, data privacy, and best-practice compliance.

Skills

Remote team leadership

Grant writing

Python

R

Data management

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Genomics/Genetics/Bioinformatics

Tools

NGS platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Scientist to spearhead their groundbreaking Genomics Research initiatives, operating in a fully remote capacity. This critical role will involve establishing and leading a remote research team focused on unraveling the complexities of genetic variation and its impact on disease. You will be responsible for defining the research agenda, securing funding, and ensuring the successful execution of ambitious projects from conceptualization to publication. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned genomics expert to shape the future of genetic research and make a significant impact on global health, from anywhere, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within a distributed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategic vision and research roadmap for the genomics program.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of remote researchers, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Design and oversee high-throughput genomic sequencing experiments and associated data analysis pipelines.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge analytical methods for variant discovery, functional genomics, and population genetics.
• Secure external funding through grant writing and build strategic partnerships with academic and industry collaborators.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, data privacy regulations, and best practices in genomic research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genomics, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or a related field, with extensive post-doctoral or industry experience.
• Demonstrated success in leading research teams and managing complex scientific projects, preferably in a remote setting.
• Deep expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and analysis platforms.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R) and experience with large-scale data management.
• Strong track record of securing research grants and publishing in high-impact journals.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, vital for effective remote team management.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and leadership.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Significant professional development budget for conferences, training, and certifications.
• Flexible work hours and the autonomy of a fully remote position.
• Opportunity to work on transformative research with global health implications.