Senior Bioinformatician (Genomic Data Analysis)

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in partnership with a leading health genomics research organization in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Bioinformatician to analyze large-scale genomic datasets (WGS, Exome, RNA-Seq) and translate results into biological insights.

You will develop pipelines, perform variant calling and annotation, and collaborate with geneticists and clinicians to drive impactful discoveries. This hybrid role combines on-site teamwork in the Western Cape with focused home-based work.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in bioinformatics focusing on genomic data analysis.
• Proficiency in Python or Perl and shell scripting.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and databases (GATK, Samtools, VCFtools, Ensembl).
• Experience with various NGS data types and analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data.
• Perform variant calling, annotation, and interpretation for WGS, exome, and RNA-Seq.
• Analyze population genetic data to understand variation and disease implications.
• Collaborate with researchers to design experiments and analysis strategies.
• Develop scripts/tools to automate data analysis and reporting.
• Visualize and present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Python/Perl

Shell scripting

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Cloud concepts

Education

Master's or PhD in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

GATK

Samtools

VCFtools

Ensembl

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research organization specializing in human health genomics, is seeking a skilled Senior Bioinformatician to join their growing team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is integral to analyzing and interpreting large-scale genomic datasets, including whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, and RNA-Seq, to identify genetic variants associated with disease and population diversity. You will collaborate closely with geneticists, clinicians, and other bioinformaticians to drive research forward and contribute to impactful scientific discoveries. The ideal candidate possesses strong programming skills, expertise in genomic data analysis pipelines, and a passion for translating complex genomic data into biological insights. This hybrid position allows for focused work from home and collaborative engagement on-site, situated in the beautiful Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and execute bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Perform variant calling, annotation, and interpretation for whole-genome, exome, and RNA-Seq datasets.
• Analyze population genetic data to understand genetic variation and its implications for health and disease.
• Collaborate with researchers to design genomic experiments and data analysis strategies.
• Develop custom scripts and tools to automate data analysis and reporting.
• Visualize and interpret complex genomic data, presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of genomic databases and informatics infrastructure.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and genomic technologies.
• Ensure data integrity, quality control, and adherence to best practices in bioinformatics.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on genomic data analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Perl, and experience with shell scripting.
• Strong experience with bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., GATK, Samtools, VCFtools, Ensembl).
• Familiarity with various NGS data types and analysis methodologies.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data visualization techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plan, and opportunities for continuous professional development and further education. Employees benefit from access to advanced research facilities, a supportive and collaborative work environment, and the chance to contribute to significant advancements in genomic research. The role is located in Paarl, Western Cape .