Principal Bioinformatician - Genomics

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Bonuses

Relocation support

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Bioinformatician to lead genomics research initiatives in George, Western Cape. The role focuses on designing complex analyses, developing pipelines, mentoring a team, and driving translational genomics projects for human and agricultural research.

You will collaborate with molecular biologists and clinicians, apply ML to genomic data, and contribute to high-impact publications while ensuring data integrity and compliance.

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field such as Bioinformatics or Genomics.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive bioinformatics experience in genomics.
• Experience leading bioinformatics projects and research teams.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills in NGS workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data.
• Design and manage large genomics projects from design to interpretation.
• Apply statistical methods and ML to genomic analyses.
• Collaborate with biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret results.
• Mentor and supervise a bioinformatics team to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Contribute to development of proprietary analysis software and publications.

Skills

Python

R

Shell scripting

Machine learning

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or Genomics

Tools

GATK

BLAST

IGV

HPC/SLURM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in applied biological sciences within the Scientific Research & Development sector, is seeking an exceptional Principal Bioinformatician to spearhead their genomics research initiatives. This critical role is located in the scenic city of George, Western Cape . You will be instrumental in designing and executing complex bioinformatic analyses, developing novel pipelines, and contributing to significant discoveries in human and agricultural genomics. This position demands a candidate with a deep understanding of computational biology, extensive experience with large-scale genomic datasets, and a passion for translational research. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities and the ability to guide a team of talented bioinformaticians, fostering an environment of innovation and rigorous scientific inquiry. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of genetic research in a beautiful coastal setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Design and manage large-scale genomics projects, from experimental design to data interpretation.
• Develop and apply statistical methods and machine learning techniques for genomic data analysis.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret findings and drive research outcomes.
• Supervise and mentor a team of bioinformaticians, ensuring high-quality research and timely project completion.
• Contribute to the development of proprietary algorithms and software tools for genomic analysis.
• Author and co-author publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at national and international scientific conferences.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with relevant data protection regulations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on genomics.
• Proven track record in leading bioinformatics projects and managing research teams.
• Expertise in analyzing diverse genomic data types (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq).
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, Perl, or similar languages, and proficiency in shell scripting.
• Experience with high-performance computing environments and cloud platforms.
• Familiarity with common bioinformatics databases and tools (e.g., BLAST, GATK, IGV).
• Excellent understanding of statistical genetics and population genetics principles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across disciplines.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, a comprehensive medical aid plan, performance-based bonuses, and extensive opportunities for professional growth, including attendance at leading international workshops and conferences. Researchers have access to cutting-edge computational infrastructure and a stimulating, collaborative work environment in George, Western Cape . Additional benefits include generous annual leave, relocation support, and wellness programs designed to promote work-life balance. The opportunity to contribute to impactful genomic research makes this a truly rewarding career move.