Principal Computational Biologist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work environment

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Home office stipend

Professional development support

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Computational Biologist to lead the development of advanced analytical methods for large-scale genomic datasets. You will guide a remote, international team of scientists and engineers, shaping project direction and delivering reproducible workflows.

You will mentor junior researchers, communicate complex results clearly, and contribute to grant writing while staying current with cutting-edge computational biology advances.

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field (Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, CS or Statistics).
• 7+ years post-PhD experience in computational biology or bioinformatics.
• Strong programming (Python/R) and ML/statistical modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and apply computational methods for large-scale biological datasets.
• Build and maintain scalable bioinformatics pipelines for data processing and QC.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to interpret results and plan experiments.

Skills

Python

R

ML / Machine Learning

Statistical modeling

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

PhD in Computational Biology / Bioinformatics / CS / Statistics

Tools

Docker

Singularity

AWS / GCP / Azure

Biopython

SciPy

Pandas

BLAST

Ensembl

TCGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in bioinformatics and genomic analysis, is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Principal Computational Biologist to join their groundbreaking research team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects that leverage vast datasets to unravel complex biological questions. As a fully remote position, you will collaborate with a dynamic, international team of scientists and engineers, driving innovation from your home office. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of biological systems combined with advanced computational expertise. This role is pivotal in shaping the future direction of our client's research initiatives and requires a proactive, problem-solving mindset. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing novel algorithms and analytical pipelines. The position is based in the expansive and scientifically rich landscape, yet fully remote, allowing for global talent acquisition. This role is crucial for accelerating discoveries in fields such as precision medicine and drug development. The work environment fosters intellectual curiosity and encourages the exploration of new scientific frontiers. Join us to make a significant impact on the future of biological science.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement advanced computational and statistical methodologies for the analysis of large-scale biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data. Build and maintain robust, scalable bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, and feature extraction. Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, bioinformaticians, and data scientists to interpret results, generate hypotheses, and design future experiments. Develop and apply machine learning models to identify patterns, predict outcomes, and discover novel biological insights. Lead the technical direction for specific research projects, mentoring junior team members and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality results. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computational biology, bioinformatics, and relevant biological fields. Communicate complex findings clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through reports, presentations, and publications. Ensure the reproducibility and documentation of all analyses and software developed. Contribute to grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field. Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in computational biology or bioinformatics. Proven expertise in analyzing high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., RNA-Seq, WGS, WES, ChIP-Seq). Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, and experience with relevant scientific libraries (e.g., Biopython, SciPy, Pandas). Strong experience with common bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., BLAST, Ensembl, TCGA). Demonstrated experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Singularity). Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and their application to biological data. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced research environment. Prior experience leading research projects and mentoring junior scientists is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including a substantial base salary and performance-based bonuses. As a fully remote position, we provide flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to work from anywhere. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided. We also offer a generous retirement savings plan with company matching. Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and continuous learning, are actively supported. Employees benefit from ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays. Access to cutting-edge computational resources and collaborative platforms is guaranteed. This role offers the chance to work on truly impactful projects that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive. A home office stipend is also provided to ensure you have the best setup for success.