Principal Research Scientist - Bioinformatics

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,700,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Research Scientist in Bioinformatics to lead complex genomic data analyses and drive strategic R&D initiatives in Johannesburg.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years of independent research, leadership experience, and expertise in WGS/WES/RNA-Seq, Python, R, and Perl. Collaboration across biology, genetics, and clinical teams is essential, with a focus on high-impact publications and mentorship.

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field (Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, CS, Statistics).
• 8+ years of progressive bioinformatics research with leadership experience.
• Extensive experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis (WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Proficiency in Python, R, and Perl.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for large-scale genomic/proteomic data.
• Develop novel algorithms and tools for cancer genomics, infectious diseases, and drug discovery.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to interpret results and guide research directions.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and researchers, promoting excellence.
• Stay updated on bioinformatics advances and assess applicability to projects.
• Present findings at conferences and contribute to publications.
• Ensure data analysis quality with rigorous validation and documentation.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

Statistics

Machine Learning

Genomics data analysis

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Tools

Docker

Singularity

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovation hub in the scientific research and development sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Research Scientist specializing in Bioinformatics to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg . This pivotal role is central to driving groundbreaking discoveries and advancing our client's cutting-edge research initiatives. The successful candidate will spearhead complex analytical projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of the R&D department. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary scientist to make a substantial impact in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of large-scale genomic and proteomic datasets.
• Develop novel algorithms and computational tools to address specific research questions in areas such as cancer genomics, infectious diseases, and drug discovery.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research teams, including molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians, to interpret experimental results and guide future research directions.
• Supervise and mentor junior bioinformaticians and research assistants, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and professional development.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology, and assess their potential application to ongoing research projects.
• Present research findings at international conferences and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.
• Ensure the integrity and quality of data analysis through rigorous validation and documentation processes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in bioinformatics research, with a proven track record of independent research and project leadership.
• Extensive experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python, R, and Perl.
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Singularity) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead a team of researchers.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including a substantial annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including attendance at scientific conferences and workshops, are readily available.
• A stimulating work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration is guaranteed.
• This role is based in the vibrant city of Johannesburg , offering a unique blend of professional growth and cultural experiences.