Principal Computational Biologist

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Computational Biologist for a pioneering biotechnology firm based in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role centers on advancing systems biology through cutting-edge computational methods, managing high-impact projects, and mentoring a team of bioinformaticians.

You will develop and apply bioinformatics pipelines, analyze large-scale omics datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics), and contribute to drug targets and biomarker discovery while collaborating with

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in computational biology and bioinformatics.
• Proven track record leading complex research projects.
• Proficiency in Python or R and bioinformatics libraries.
• Strong statistical modeling, ML, and data mining.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis.
• Knowledge of biological pathways and disease mechanisms.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and application of computational and statistical methods for analyzing complex biological data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics).
• Design and implement bioinformatics pipelines for high-throughput data analysis.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists, chemists, and clinicians to interpret results and define future directions.
• Develop predictive models and algorithms to identify drug targets and biomarkers.
• Mentor a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians.
• Stay current with advancements in computational biology and bioinformatics.
• Communicate findings via presentations, publications, and reports.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure external funding.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and data management.

Skills

Python

R

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Leadership

Communication

NGS Analysis

HPC

Biology knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Biology/Bioinformatics/Biostatistics/Genetics

Tools

GATK

Bioconductor

BLAST

HPC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazing biotechnology firm, is actively seeking a Principal Computational Biologist to join their innovative research hub in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior position is critical for advancing our understanding of complex biological systems through the application of advanced computational methods. The successful candidate will lead high-impact projects, driving discovery in areas such as genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. You will be instrumental in developing and applying bioinformatics tools and pipelines to analyze large-scale biological datasets. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biology and data science, contributing to the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep scientific curiosity and a passion for making a difference in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and application of computational and statistical methods for analyzing complex biological data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.).
• Design and implement bioinformatics pipelines for high-throughput data analysis.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, chemists, and clinicians to interpret results and define future research directions.
• Develop predictive models and algorithms to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers.
• Manage and mentor a team of computational biologists and bioinformaticians.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computational biology, bioinformatics, and relevant biological fields.
• Communicate research findings effectively through presentations, publications, and reports.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure external funding for research initiatives.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and efficient data management practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in computational biology and bioinformatics research.
• Proven track record of leading complex research projects and delivering impactful results.
• Expertise in at least one major programming language (e.g., Python, R) and experience with relevant bioinformatics libraries and tools.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and data mining techniques applied to biological data.
• Extensive experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis is essential.
• Strong knowledge of biological pathways, molecular biology, and disease mechanisms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with large-scale data management and high-performance computing environments is highly valued for this role in Tembisa, Gauteng.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous vacation policy and paid holidays.
• Support for professional development, including conference attendance and training.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and computational infrastructure.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking research with a significant impact on human health.
• Retirement savings plan.