Principal Data Scientist - Machine Learning in Bioinformatics

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Principal Data Scientist to lead data science initiatives in biomedicine from its Centurion hub. You will guide ML models, data pipelines, and research collaborations across genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery while mentoring junior scientists and setting strategic direction.

You will work in a remote-capable context across time zones, leveraging cloud platforms and distributed computing to push bioinformatics and data-driven healthcare forward.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on ML in biology/healthcare.
• Expertise in Python or R with relevant libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Bioconductor).
• Strong statistical modelling, experimental design and validation knowledge.
• Experience with large, complex datasets and distributed computing (Spark).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and databases (SQL/NoSQL).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor teams.
• Comfortable working in a remote environment across time zones.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced ML algorithms and statistical models for large-scale biological datasets.
• Design data-driven projects to identify biomarkers, predict disease progression, and optimize treatments.
• Build robust data pipelines for ingestion, cleaning, transformation and feature engineering.
• Collaborate with biologists and bioinformaticians to translate research questions into data science problems.
• Lead the technical direction of ML projects from concept to production.
• Evaluate and integrate new data science technologies and methodologies.
• Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences via presentations and reports.
• Mentor junior data scientists and research staff to foster scientific rigor and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Distributed computing

Education

PhD or Master's in CS/Statistics/Bioinformatics/Computational Biology

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Bioconductor

Spark

AWS/GCP/Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in biotechnology and life sciences innovation, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Data Scientist to join their advanced research division. This pivotal role is based in **Centurion, Gauteng**, and will focus on leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to unlock insights from complex biological datasets. You will be instrumental in developing predictive models, algorithms, and analytical tools that drive breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery. This position offers the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biology and computer science, contributing to the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will guide the strategic direction of data science initiatives, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with leading researchers worldwide. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of **bioinformatics** and data-driven discovery from our **Centurion** hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced machine learning algorithms and statistical models for the analysis of large-scale biological datasets (genomic, proteomic, clinical).
• Design and execute data-driven research projects to identify novel biomarkers, predict disease progression, and optimize treatment strategies.
• Build robust data pipelines for data ingestion, cleaning, transformation, and feature engineering from diverse sources.
• Collaborate with biologists, geneticists, and bioinformaticians to define research questions and translate them into data science problems.
• Lead the technical direction of machine learning projects, from proof-of-concept to production deployment.
• Evaluate and integrate new data science technologies and methodologies to enhance analytical capabilities.
• Communicate complex findings and insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through presentations and detailed reports.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists and research staff, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation within the **Centurion** team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on machine learning applications in a biological or healthcare context.
• Deep expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Bioconductor).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and validation techniques.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark).
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and database technologies (SQL, NoSQL).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting research findings.
• Must be comfortable working in a **remote** environment and collaborating effectively across time zones.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a generous base salary, substantial bonus potential, and comprehensive stock options. Benefits include top-tier health insurance, a leading retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. We provide a supportive and stimulating work environment that encourages continuous learning, professional development, and impactful research. This remote role allows for flexible working arrangements while contributing to cutting-edge bioinformatics and machine learning research from anywhere. Join our **Centurion** based client and help shape the future of data-driven healthcare.