Remote Principal Computational Biologist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Bonus & equity

Global health coverage

Fully remote

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Principal Computational Biologist to guide strategic data analyses across genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. You will shape computational approaches, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and drive data-driven decision making from a remote location.

The ideal candidate has a PhD and 10+ years in computational biology or bioinformatics, with leadership experience and proficiency in Python/R. This role emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and global impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology or related field with a strong biological focus.
• At least 10 years in computational biology or bioinformatics with leadership experience.
• Expertise with diverse omics data types (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics).
• Proficient in Python and R; strong communication and remote leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of computational biology strategies for large-scale omics analyses.
• Develop and apply advanced statistical and ML models to identify drivers and targets.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to translate findings into hypotheses and guide experiments.
• Provide scientific oversight and mentorship to computational teams.
• Evaluate and implement novel computational tools and algorithms to enhance data analysis.
• Communicate findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Skills

Python

R

Machine learning

Statistical modeling

Remote leadership

Education

PhD in Computational Biology or related field

Tools

Bioconductor

TensorFlow

scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly influential and experienced Remote Principal Computational Biologist to lead their advanced data analysis initiatives from a remote location. This senior role is pivotal in driving the interpretation of complex biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, to uncover critical insights that guide therapeutic strategies and research directions. You will provide scientific leadership, define computational approaches, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams of biologists, bioinformaticians, and data scientists. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of biological systems and cutting-edge computational methodologies, capable of shaping the future of our scientific discovery process from anywhere in the world and contributing to a culture of data-driven innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of computational biology strategies to analyze large-scale omics datasets.
• Develop and apply advanced statistical and machine learning models to identify key biological drivers, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to translate computational findings into testable hypotheses and guide experimental design.
• Provide scientific oversight and mentorship to computational biology and bioinformatics teams.
• Evaluate and implement novel computational tools and algorithms to enhance data analysis capabilities.
• Communicate complex scientific findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field with a strong biological focus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a proven track record of leadership and impactful research in the life sciences industry.
• Extensive expertise in analyzing diverse omics data types (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.).
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and experience with statistical software and machine learning frameworks.
• Deep understanding of biological pathways, disease mechanisms, and drug discovery processes.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to lead and inspire remote teams.

Benefits

• Exceptional principal-level salary and comprehensive bonus and equity packages.
• Full global health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Generous allowance for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Opportunity to define the future of computational biology and impact global health outcomes.