Remote Senior Bioinformatics Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote position

Health coverage

Flexible work

Stock options

Conference support

Home office allowance

Paid time off

Impact on therapeutics

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join a remote-first biotechnology team focused on drug discovery. Lead development of pipelines for omics data, apply ML for target identification, and collaborate with chemists and biologists in a distributed environment.

The role emphasizes advanced programming in Python/R/Perl, cloud and containerized workflows, and mentorship of junior scientists. Applicants should have a PhD and 6+ years in industry.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

Genomics

Proteomics

Machine learning

Statistics

Data mining

Cloud computing

Containerization

Communication

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/CS/Biochemistry

Tools

Bioinformatics libraries

Containers

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a groundbreaking biotechnology firm dedicated to revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced computational methods. This is a fully remote opportunity, allowing talented individuals to contribute from anywhere. We are seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist with extensive experience in analyzing complex biological data to accelerate our drug discovery pipeline. You will be instrumental in developing and applying sophisticated bioinformatics tools and algorithms to identify novel drug targets, predict compound efficacy, and understand drug mechanisms of action. The successful candidate will work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists in a highly collaborative, albeit virtual, environment. This role requires a blend of strong scientific acumen, programming expertise, and a passion for applying data-driven insights to pharmaceutical challenges. As a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist in a remote-first setup, you will have the autonomy to drive impactful projects, contributing significantly to the development of life-saving therapies from your chosen location, supporting operations relevant to Centurion, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of diverse datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers.
• Analyze high-throughput screening data to evaluate compound efficacy and toxicity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to interpret results and guide experimental strategies in drug discovery programs.
• Design and manage databases for storing and retrieving biological and chemical data.
• Contribute to the development of predictive models for drug-target interactions and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and drug discovery technologies.
• Communicate findings effectively through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on drug discovery or related areas.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python, R, or Perl, and experience with bioinformatics libraries.
• Strong knowledge of genomic and proteomic data analysis techniques.
• Experience with statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining methods applicable to biological data.
• Familiarity with chemical structures and drug discovery databases.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms and containerization technologies is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, crucial for a remote role.
• Proven track record of contributing to successful drug discovery projects.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure for a remote position.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible work arrangements and a strong work-life balance.
• Stock options or equity in a growing biotech company.
• Professional development opportunities and support for attending scientific conferences.
• Home office stipend.
• Generous paid time off.
• Contribute directly to the development of novel therapeutics.