Principal Research Scientist - Genomics and Bioinformatics

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Relocation aid

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist specializing in Genomics and Bioinformatics to lead cutting-edge genomic research projects in Centurion, Gauteng. You will design pipelines for NGS data analysis and integrate multi-omics datasets to drive disease insights and diagnostic tool development.

You will mentor a team of bioinformaticians, collaborate with clinicians, publish in top journals, and contribute to grant funding while staying current with the latest computational

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral experience in bioinformatics or genomics research.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Perl.
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
• Experience with high-performance computing environments (HPC) and cloud computing platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects and lead scientific teams.
• Proven track record of publications in leading scientific journals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with human genetics and disease-associated variant interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex genomic research projects.
• Develop and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.
• Analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets to identify disease-associated variants and patterns.
• Integrate diverse biological datasets for systems biology approaches.
• Develop and validate novel computational algorithms and statistical models.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to interpret genomic findings.
• Stay abreast of advancements in genomics and computational biology.
• Mentor and guide a team of bioinformaticians and research associates.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers and present findings at conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure research funding.

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in advanced biological research, is seeking an exceptional Principal Research Scientist specializing in Genomics and Bioinformatics. This pivotal role will drive cutting‑edge research projects, focusing on the analysis of large‑scale genomic datasets to uncover insights into disease mechanisms and develop novel diagnostic tools. The state‑of‑the‑art research facilities in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA provide an ideal environment for ambitious scientific exploration. We are looking for a visionary scientist with a deep understanding of genomic technologies and computational analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape research directions and contribute significantly to the advancement of precision medicine within the Centurion, Gauteng, ZA biotechnology landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex genomic research projects.
• Develop and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.
• Analyze large‑scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets to identify disease‑associated variants and patterns.
• Integrate diverse biological datasets (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for comprehensive systems biology approaches.
• Develop and validate novel computational algorithms and statistical models.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to interpret genomic findings and guide research strategies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology.
• Mentor and guide a team of bioinformaticians and research associates.
• Author high‑impact scientific publications and present findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure research funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post‑doctoral experience in bioinformatics or genomics research.
• Extensive experience with NGS data analysis (WGS, WES, RNA‑Seq).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Perl.
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
• Experience with high‑performance computing environments (HPC) and cloud computing platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects and lead scientific teams.
• Proven track record of publications in leading scientific journals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience with human genetics and disease‑associated variant interpretation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including an excellent base salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• We provide a generous retirement savings plan, substantial paid time off, and support for professional development activities such as conference attendance and specialized training.
• Access to world‑class computational resources and cutting‑edge genomic technologies is standard.
• The Centurion, Gauteng, ZA location offers a dynamic professional environment with opportunities for career advancement.
• We foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Relocation assistance may be available for outstanding candidates moving to the Centurion, Gauteng, ZA area.

Join a forward‑thinking organization at the forefront of biological discovery.