Senior Bioinformatician for Genomics Research

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading bioscience research institution in Johannesburg, seeks a Senior Bioinformatician to lead genomics data analysis and to build advanced NGS pipelines.

You will collaborate with researchers and clinicians, design studies, interpret results, manage large datasets, and mentor junior staff while ensuring data privacy and ethical guidelines. Relocation support is available for qualified candidates relocating to Gauteng.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years in bioinformatics with genomics/NGS focus.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and Perl; experience with bioinformatics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-seq).
• Perform statistical analysis to identify patterns and markers.
• Collaborate with biologists/clinicians to design studies and interpret results.
• Maintain databases for large genomic datasets and ensure data integrity.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant proposals, and technical reports.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and ensure data privacy compliance.

Skills

Genomics data analysis

NGS data

Statistics

Machine learning

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/Genetics

Tools

Python

R

Perl

Cloud platforms

HPC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading bioscience research institution in Johannesburg , is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Bioinformatician to join their cutting-edge genomics research and development team. This role is instrumental in driving innovation in our understanding of complex biological systems and developing novel therapeutic strategies. You will be at the forefront of analyzing large-scale genomic datasets, contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development within the vibrant scientific community of Johannesburg, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sophisticated bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including whole-genome, exome, and RNA-seq data.
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of genomic and transcriptomic data to identify significant biological patterns, gene expression changes, and molecular markers.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to design research studies and interpret experimental results in the context of genomic data.
• Develop and maintain databases for storing and managing large genomic datasets, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and technical reports.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and related computational biology fields.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and research assistants, providing guidance and technical support.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and ethical guidelines for handling sensitive patient data.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in bioinformatics analysis, with a strong focus on genomics and NGS data.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Perl, and experience with bioinformatics tools and libraries.
• Expertise in statistical analysis and machine learning techniques applicable to biological data.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics principles.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques.
• Previous experience in a research and development setting is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and generous paid time off. Employees have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and further education support. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility in Johannesburg , surrounded by a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. This role provides the chance to make a significant impact on scientific research and contribute to improving human health. Additionally, our client provides support for relocation assistance for qualified candidates relocating to Gauteng .