Research Scientist - Genomics

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Sequencing equipment

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane seeks a dedicated Research Scientist specializing in Genomics to lead genomic studies and interpret complex data. You will design experiments, analyze datasets, and contribute to diagnostic tool development in a collaborative, research-intensive setting.

The ideal candidate has strong molecular biology and bioinformatics foundations, with a passion for uncovering genetic insights and advancing human genetics research in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of genomics research experience.
• Hands-on experience with NGS and library preparation.
• Proficiency in Python, R, Bash for data analysis.
• Strong knowledge of population genetics and gene expression analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform genomic experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing.
• Analyze large-scale genomic datasets using bioinformatics tools and statistics.
• Interpret sequencing data to identify genetic variations, gene expression and epigenetic patterns.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to integrate findings into projects.
• Develop and optimize genomic workflows and data analysis pipelines.
• Present research findings to internal teams and at scientific conferences.

Skills

Genomics

Bioinformatics

NGS

Python

R

Bash

Molecular Biology

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or MSc in Genomics or related

Tools

NGS Library Preparation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Research Scientist with a specialization in Genomics to join their growing team in Polokwane . This role is central to unlocking insights from genomic data, contributing to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. You will be responsible for designing and executing genomic studies, analyzing complex datasets, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in molecular biology and bioinformatics, coupled with a passion for unraveling genetic mysteries. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a research-intensive environment within the vibrant scientific community of Polokwane .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and perform genomic experiments, including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing.
• Analyze large-scale genomic datasets using bioinformatic tools and statistical methods.
• Interpret sequencing data to identify genetic variations, gene expression patterns, and epigenetic modifications.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to integrate genomic findings into broader research projects.
• Develop and optimize new genomic workflows and data analysis pipelines.
• Present research findings to internal teams and at scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant research experience in genomics.
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and library preparation.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, Bash).
• Strong understanding of population genetics, variant calling, and gene expression analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and further specialization.
• Access to state-of-the‑art genomic sequencing and analysis equipment.
• A collaborative research setting in Polokwane with opportunities for cross-functional learning.
• Generous paid time off and a supportive work culture.
• Contribution to impactful research in the field of human genetics.