Principal Bioinformatics Scientist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Bioinformatics Scientist in Mahikeng, North West, to lead transformative analyses of genomic and transcriptomic data. You will design computational strategies, guide projects across biologists and clinicians, and drive discovery of biomarkers and insights to support drug discovery.

The role requires a PhD, 8+ years of related experience, expert Python/R, ML, and cloud/big data skills, with a track record of leadership and publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, statistics, or related quantitative field.
• 8+ years post-doctoral or industry experience in bioinformatics with genomic/transcriptomic data.
• Proficiency in Python and R and associated bioinformatics libraries.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of bioinformatics analyses for high-throughput sequencing data (WGS, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq).
• Develop and implement robust computational pipelines for data processing, QC, and variant/gene expression analysis.
• Apply statistical methods and ML to identify significant findings and correlations.
• Integrate multi-omics data to provide comprehensive biological insights.
• Collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and researchers to define goals and interpret results.
• Develop custom scripts/tools to facilitate analysis and visualization.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and contribute to scientific leadership.
• Stay abreast of advancements in bioinformatics tools and methods.
• Communicate complex findings effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Python

R

ML

Biostats

Cloud

Genomics

Transcriptomics

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/Statistics/CS

Tools

Bioinformatics libraries

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the cutting edge of genomic research and personalized medicine, seeking a highly accomplished Principal Bioinformatics Scientist to lead transformative data analysis initiatives. This senior role, based in Mahikeng, North West, ZA , will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced computational strategies to extract meaningful insights from large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets. The ideal candidate will possess a deep expertise in bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and machine learning, coupled with a strong understanding of biological systems. You will play a crucial role in supporting drug discovery efforts, identifying novel biomarkers, and advancing our understanding of complex diseases. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of genomic data interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of bioinformatics analyses for high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq).
• Develop and implement robust computational pipelines for data processing, quality control, and variant/gene expression analysis.
• Apply statistical and machine learning techniques to identify significant biological findings, patterns, and correlations.
• Integrate multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics) to provide comprehensive biological insights.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, clinicians, and other researchers to define project goals and interpret analysis results.
• Develop custom scripts and tools to facilitate data analysis and visualization.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and contribute to the scientific leadership of the team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and biological research.
• Communicate complex findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in bioinformatics, with a significant focus on analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, and extensive experience with bioinformatics libraries and packages.
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and biological pathways.
• Experience with cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, GCP) and big data technologies is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, work independently, and lead research efforts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund, and opportunities for professional growth, including conference attendance and training. The work environment in Mahikeng, North West, ZA is dynamic and collaborative, fostering innovation and scientific excellence. We provide the resources and support necessary for our employees to make significant contributions to the field of genomic research and precision medicine.