Principal Computational Scientist - Genomics

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Conference participation

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Computational Scientist with genomics specialization to lead computational genomics initiatives. The role is fully remote and requires a Ph.D. with 8+ years in large-scale genomics data analysis, plus strong Python/R programming and cloud experience.

You will drive innovative pipelines, collaborate with researchers, and mentor junior scientists while shaping the strategic direction of computational genomics research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology or related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of post-PhD experience in large-scale genomics data analysis.
• Proficiency in Python and R with experience in bioinformatics tooling.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of computational approaches for diverse genomic datasets (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq).
• Design scalable bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, QC, and variant calling.
• Collaborate with geneticists and clinicians to interpret findings for disease understanding.
• Develop statistical models and ML techniques to identify genotype-phenotype associations.
• Mentor junior scientists and guide remote team members in projects.

Skills

Python

R

Machine Learning

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Tools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in life sciences research, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Computational Scientist with a deep specialization in Genomics to join their fully remote team. This senior position is integral to driving innovation in understanding genetic variations and their impact on human health and disease. You will lead the development and application of advanced computational methodologies and pipelines to analyze large-scale genomic datasets, providing critical insights that fuel our research endeavors. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D., extensive experience in genomic data analysis, strong programming skills, and a passion for uncovering the complexities of the genome. If you are looking to make a significant impact on the future of genetic research from the comfort of your own home, this role is an exceptional opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge computational approaches and algorithms for analyzing diverse genomic datasets (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq).
• Design and maintain robust, scalable bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, and variant calling.
• Collaborate closely with geneticists, biologists, and clinicians to interpret genomic findings and their implications for disease understanding and therapeutic development.
• Develop statistical models and machine learning techniques to identify genotype-phenotype associations and functional genomic elements.
• Visualize complex genomic data for effective communication to scientific and strategic leadership.
• Mentor and guide junior computational scientists and bioinformaticians.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
• Drive innovation and strategic direction within the computational genomics domain.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant post‑doctoral or industry experience, with a strong focus on large-scale genomics data analysis.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python and R, and proficiency with standard bioinformatics tools and libraries.
• In-depth knowledge of statistical genetics, population genetics, and machine learning applied to genomic data.
• Demonstrated experience with high-performance computing clusters and cloud-based computational environments (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Experience with various genomic data formats and databases.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and mentor team members in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly attractive annual salary of ZAR.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility and autonomy.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, learning, and conference participation.
• Access to extensive computational resources and cutting‑edge software.
• A culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.