Principal Systems Biologist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

High-performance computing access

Advanced laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Systems Biologist in Rustenburg, North West, to lead transformative systems biology research and develop predictive models integrating multi-omics data. The role emphasizes guiding experimental design, data integration, and collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 8+ years of experience, expert computational modeling skills, and a strong publication record, ready to lead a research program and secure external funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with strong quantitative focus.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in systems biology research and leadership.
• Expertise in computational modeling techniques, network analysis, and statistics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB.
• Experience integrating large-scale multi-omics datasets.
• Strong publication record in reputable journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of systems biology research projects.
• Develop and apply computational models including network analysis and machine learning.
• Integrate multi-omics data to generate hypotheses and insights.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists to translate findings.
• Mentor and supervise a team of researchers and analysts.
• Publish high-impact papers and present at conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure external funding.
• Establish collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure best practices in data management and computational infrastructure.

Skills

Systems biology

Computational modeling

Data integration

Python

R

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Systems Biology or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned research organization located in **Rustenburg, North West**, is seeking a distinguished Principal Systems Biologist to lead transformative research efforts. This senior role is integral to developing and applying systems biology approaches to unravel the complexities of biological systems and disease mechanisms. You will be expected to define research strategies, guide experimental design, and integrate diverse data types (genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, etc.) to build predictive models. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background and practical experience in applying computational and mathematical modeling to biological problems. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of biological research in **Rustenburg, North West**, and make a significant impact on scientific understanding.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of systems biology research projects, focusing on understanding complex biological networks and interactions.
• Develop and apply advanced computational models, including network analysis, simulation, and machine learning, to biological data.
• Integrate multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to generate novel hypotheses and insights.
• Collaborate closely with experimental scientists to translate computational findings into testable hypotheses and guide experimental validation.
• Mentor and supervise a team of researchers and analysts.
• Author high-impact publications and present research at international conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure external funding for research initiatives.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure the implementation of best practices in data management, analysis, and computational infrastructure.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field with a strong quantitative focus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in systems biology research, demonstrating a track record of independent research and leadership.
• Expertise in computational modeling techniques, network analysis, and statistical methods applied to biological data.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience with integrating and analyzing large-scale multi-omics datasets.
• Deep understanding of at least one major area of biology (e.g., oncology, immunology, neuroscience, metabolism).
• Strong publication record in reputable scientific journals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor research teams.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development. Researchers have access to high-performance computing clusters and cutting-edge laboratory facilities in **Rustenburg, North West**. This role provides a stimulating environment for scientific discovery and leadership.