Principal Scientist - Genomics

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Hybrid work environment

Professional development & conference

State-of-the-art lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist specializing in Genomics to drive impactful research and development initiatives. This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration in Rustenburg with remote work flexibility.

You will lead complex genomics projects, design assays, analyze large datasets, mentor junior researchers, and represent the company at national and international forums. A strong publication record and grants are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field.
• 7+ years post-doc or industry experience in genomics research.
• Proven leadership and collaboration skills, with strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Lead genomics research projects in population genetics, cancer genomics, or infectious diseases.
• Design, develop, and validate novel genomic assays and protocols.
• Analyze large-scale genomic data using computational and statistical methods.
• Develop bioinformatic pipelines for data processing, QC, and variant analysis.
• Mentor junior scientists and present findings at conferences.

Skills

Genomics expertise

Leadership

Bioinformatics

R

Python

Communication

Independent working

Education

PhD in Genetics/Genomics

Tools

R

Python

Bash

NGS platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in scientific innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist specializing in Genomics to drive impactful research and development initiatives. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining the flexibility of remote work with essential on-site collaboration in Rustenburg. You will lead complex research projects, design cutting-edge experiments, and analyze genomic data to uncover novel biological insights. As a Principal Scientist, you will mentor junior researchers, contribute to strategic scientific planning, and represent the company at national and international forums. This position is critical for advancing our understanding of genetic mechanisms and translating discoveries into tangible scientific advancements. You will be at the forefront of genomic research, shaping methodologies and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex research projects in genomics, focusing on areas such as population genetics, cancer genomics, or infectious diseases.
• Design, develop, and validate novel genomic assays and experimental protocols.
• Analyze and interpret large-scale genomic datasets using advanced computational and statistical methods.
• Develop and implement bioinformatic pipelines for data processing, quality control, and variant analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, clinicians, and data scientists, to achieve research objectives.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research staff, fostering their professional development.
• Author high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and symposia.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the genomics research program and identify new research opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant ethical and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or relevant industry experience in genomics research.
• Demonstrated expertise in various genomic technologies (e.g., next-generation sequencing platforms, microarray analysis, qPCR).
• Strong proficiency in bioinformatics tools and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Bash) for genomic data analysis.
• Proven experience in experimental design and execution of complex biological research projects.
• Excellent understanding of statistical genetics and population genetics principles.
• Experience with data visualization and interpretation of complex biological data.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, hybrid team.
• Strong track record of publications and successful grant applications is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous retirement contribution matching.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further training.
• A dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and computational resources.
• The chance to make a profound impact on scientific understanding and human health.