Principal Research Scientist - Genomics and Bioinformatics

Placements24; Cape Town; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.500.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Competitive salary

Medical aid + retirement contributions

Professional development opportunities

Cape Town facility

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, invites a seasoned Principal Research Scientist in Genomics and Bioinformatics to lead large-scale studies and drive biomarker discovery.

You will design pipelines for WGS, exome, RNA-seq, integrate multi-omics data, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to grant writing and publications while staying at the forefront of sequencing technologies.

Qualifikationen

• PhD required in a quantitative field (Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computational Biology).
• 8+ years hands-on genomics data analysis and pipeline development.
• Proven skills with Python, R, Bash and cloud platforms.

Aufgaben

• Lead design and execution of large-scale genomic studies (WGS, exome, RNA-seq).
• Develop bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, QC, variant calling, annotation.
• Analyze complex genomics datasets to identify disease genes and targets.
• Integrate genomics with proteomics/metabolomics and clinical data.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to grants/publications.

Kenntnisse

Python

R

Bash

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Genomics data analysis

Biostatistics

Ausbildung

PhD in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computational Biology, or related field

Tools

GATK

STAR

DESeq2

FASTQ/BAM/VCF

AWS/Azure/GCP

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a premier R&D organization in Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Research Scientist specializing in Genomics and Bioinformatics. This senior position will lead critical projects focused on unraveling complex genomic datasets to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers. You will be at the forefront of genomic research, leveraging advanced analytical techniques and state-of-the-art sequencing technologies. This role demands a deep scientific understanding, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a passion for innovation. You will collaborate closely with a talented team of scientists and clinicians, contributing to the development of next-generation treatments and diagnostic tools. Based in our state-of-the-art facility in scenic Cape Town , this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of precision medicine. The role is primarily based at our Cape Town campus to facilitate close collaboration and access to specialized laboratory equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of large-scale genomic studies, including whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, and RNA-seq analysis.
• Develop and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, variant calling, and functional annotation.
• Analyze complex genomic datasets to identify disease-associated genes, genetic variations, and potential therapeutic targets.
• Integrate genomic data with other omics data (proteomics, metabolomics) and clinical information to gain a comprehensive understanding of biological mechanisms.
• Collaborate with internal and external research teams, including clinicians and geneticists, to translate research findings into actionable insights.
• Mentor and guide junior bioinformaticians and research scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
• Contribute to grant writing, manuscript preparation, and presentation of research findings at international conferences.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Genomics, Computational Biology, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in genomics data analysis and bioinformatics pipeline development.
• Proven expertise in using command‑line tools and programming languages such as Python, R, and Bash.
• Extensive experience with genomic data formats (e.g., FASTQ, BAM, VCF) and relevant bioinformatics software (e.g., GATK, STAR, DESeq2).
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, with a deep understanding of population genetics and evolutionary biology principles.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large datasets and working with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Track record of publications in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings.

Benefits

• We offer a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off.
• Professional development is a core value, with opportunities for attending workshops, conferences, and further training.
• Our Cape Town facility boasts cutting‑edge sequencing and computational infrastructure.
• Join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment dedicated to making a real difference in healthcare.
• Enjoy working in one of the world's most beautiful cities while contributing to impactful scientific research.