Principal Research Scientist - Bioinformatics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Premier medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous leave allowances

Professional development & conference

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Research Scientist in Bioinformatics to lead cutting-edge pipelines for genomic and omics data in Soweto. The hybrid role balances on-site collaboration with remote work while driving disease research and drug discovery efforts.

You will oversee teams, apply advanced ML/statistical methods, and publish findings at conferences. A PhD and 10+ years in bioinformatics with leadership experience are required, with a track record of impactful publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimize complex bioinformatics pipelines for multi-omics data.
• Apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods to large datasets.
• Interpret genomic variations and expression patterns in disease research.
• Collaborate with biologists, clinicians and data scientists to drive projects.
• Mentor a team of bioinformaticians and computational biologists.
• Develop novel algorithms and software tools for analysis.
• Publish high-impact findings and present at conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and external funding opportunities.
• Ensure reproducible and scalable bioinformatics workflows.
• Stay updated with genomics and computational biology advances.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Leadership

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Data analysis

Publications

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related quantitative field

Tools

AWS/GCP/Azure

HPC environments

Bioconductor

NGS data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in genomic research and diagnostics, is seeking a distinguished Principal Research Scientist - Bioinformatics to join their advanced research division in Soweto , Gauteng. This role will involve leading the development and application of cutting-edge bioinformatics pipelines and analytical strategies for large-scale genomic and omics data. You will be instrumental in uncovering novel insights into complex diseases, guiding drug discovery efforts, and optimizing diagnostic tools. This hybrid position offers a dynamic work environment, balancing essential on-site collaboration at our Soweto facilities with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a highly experienced scientist with exceptional leadership qualities, a deep understanding of computational biology, and a passion for translating data into impactful biological discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex bioinformatics pipelines for genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data analysis.


• Develop and apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods to extract meaningful biological insights from large datasets.


• Oversee the interpretation of genomic variations, gene expression patterns, and other omics data in the context of disease research.


• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, clinicians, and data scientists to define research questions and guide project direction.


• Mentor and guide a team of bioinformaticians and computational biologists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.


• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms and software tools for bioinformatics analysis.


• Author high-impact scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences.


• Contribute to grant writing and secure external funding for research initiatives.


• Ensure the integrity, reproducibility, and scalability of bioinformatics workflows.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in bioinformatics research, with a significant portion in a leadership or principal investigator role.


• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing large-scale omics datasets (e.g., NGS, arrays) and developing sophisticated analytical strategies.


• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and experience with relevant bioinformatics libraries and tools.


• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and their application to biological data.


• Experience with cloud computing environments (AWS, GCP, Azure) and high-performance computing clusters.


• Proven leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a research team.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.


• A strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals and experience presenting at major conferences.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a substantial bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including premier medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous leave allowances. We are committed to continuous professional development, providing access to advanced training, workshops, and opportunities to attend international scientific meetings. This hybrid role, based in Soweto , offers a dynamic work environment with the flexibility to balance on-site collaboration and remote work. Join a world-class research team driving innovation in genomic medicine and diagnostics.