Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics Analysis

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Cutting-edge resources in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Bioinformatician to join a leading biotechnology firm in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design robust bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data, analyze genomic and transcriptomic datasets, and collaborate with biologists and clinicians to translate findings into actionable insights.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in a quantitative field and at least 5 years of hands-on experience with human genomics.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, CS, Statistics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on bioinformatics experience focused on human genomics and transcriptomics.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and Perl.
• Extensive experience with bioinformatics tools and databases (BLAST, SAMtools, GATK, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser).
• Experience with Linux and SLURM HPC environments.
• Strong statistical and machine learning skills for biological data.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (RNA-Seq, WGS, ChIP-Seq).
• Analyze genomic and transcriptomic data, including variant calling and expression analysis.
• Interpret results and communicate findings to computational and non-computational colleagues.
• Collaborate with researchers, geneticists, and clinicians on study design and data interpretation.
• Develop and implement statistical methods for complex datasets.
• Contribute to predictive models and biomarkers development.
• Manage and curate large biological datasets for integrity and accessibility.
• Stay updated with bioinformatics and genomics advancements.
• Document methodologies, results, and code for reproducibility.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

Statistical analysis

Cloud computing

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics

Master's in Bioinformatics

Tools

BLAST

SAMtools

GATK

Ensembl

UCSC Genome Browser

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biotechnology firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Bioinformatician to join their expanding team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This role is critical for analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data to drive biological discovery and support drug development efforts. You will be responsible for developing and implementing computational pipelines, interpreting complex biological data, and collaborating closely with experimental biologists and clinicians. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in computational biology, genetics, and statistical analysis. This position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge research projects at the forefront of precision medicine. You will play a key role in translating complex genomic data into actionable insights. We are committed to scientific excellence and providing our employees with the resources and environment to thrive. This role is integral to our client's mission of advancing human health through innovative research and technology. The position requires a dedicated professional to work on-site in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust bioinformatics pipelines for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis (e.g., RNA-Seq, WGS, ChIP-Seq).
• Perform comprehensive analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data, including variant calling, differential gene expression, and pathway analysis.
• Interpret biological findings and communicate results effectively to both computational and non-computational colleagues.
• Collaborate with research scientists, geneticists, and clinicians on study design and data interpretation.
• Develop and implement statistical methods for analyzing complex biological datasets.
• Contribute to the development of predictive models and biomarkers.
• Manage and curate large biological datasets, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology.
• Document methodologies, results, and code for reproducibility and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field. Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in bioinformatics, with a strong focus on human genomics and transcriptomics. Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python, R, and Perl. Extensive experience with standard bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., BLAST, SAMtools, GATK, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser). Demonstrated experience with high-performance computing environments (e.g., Linux, SLURM). Solid understanding of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applicable to biological data. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly. Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, an annual performance bonus, and a comprehensive health insurance plan.
• We provide a generous retirement savings scheme and excellent paid vacation time.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development, including workshops and conferences, are readily available.
• Employees have access to cutting-edge computational resources and a stimulating research environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .
• We are dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.