Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics Analysis

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Cutting-edge HPC resources

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading South African research institution in Polokwane, Limpopo, to recruit a Senior Bioinformatician specializing in genomics analysis. This hybrid role leads the analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, including WGS, WES, and RNA-Seq, and collaborates with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret results.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a quantitative field, at least 5 years of bioinformatics experience with NGS data, and strong

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on genomics data analysis.
• Proven expertise in analyzing NGS data (Illumina, PacBio) using standard bioinformatics tools (GATK, BWA, Samtools, VCFtools).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, and experience with scripting languages (Bash).
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and methods for genetic data analysis.
• Familiarity with database management and data warehousing concepts.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with large, complex datasets.
• Experience in population genetics or cancer genomics is a plus for this hybrid role in Polokwane.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of large-scale genomic data (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Perform statistical analysis of genomic data to identify genetic associations with diseases and traits.
• Utilize various bioinformatics tools and databases for variant calling, annotation, and functional interpretation.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to design genomic studies and interpret results.
• Develop and apply machine learning approaches for genomic data analysis.
• Visualize complex genomic data for effective communication and interpretation.
• Contribute to the development of novel bioinformatics algorithms and methods.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and related computational techniques.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and provide technical support to research teams.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at scientific conferences.

Skills

Python

R

Bash scripting

Statistical genetics

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related quantitative field

Tools

GATK

BWA

Samtools

VCFtools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research institution focused on advancing human health through genomic research, is seeking a Senior Bioinformatician specializing in genomics analysis. This hybrid role is situated in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead the analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, to identify genetic variations, understand disease mechanisms, and discover potential therapeutic targets. The ideal candidate will possess a strong computational background, extensive experience with bioinformatics tools and pipelines, and a deep understanding of genomics and statistical genetics. You will collaborate with molecular biologists, geneticists, and clinicians to interpret complex data and drive research forward. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to significant scientific discoveries within South Africa, working in a collaborative and cutting-edge environment in Polokwane, with flexible work arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of large-scale genomic data (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Perform statistical analysis of genomic data to identify genetic associations with diseases and traits.
• Utilize various bioinformatics tools and databases for variant calling, annotation, and functional interpretation.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to design genomic studies and interpret results.
• Develop and apply machine learning approaches for genomic data analysis.
• Visualize complex genomic data for effective communication and interpretation.
• Contribute to the development of novel bioinformatics algorithms and methods.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and related computational techniques.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and provide technical support to research teams.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on genomics data analysis.
• Proven expertise in analyzing NGS data (e.g., Illumina, PacBio) using standard bioinformatics tools (e.g., GATK, BWA, Samtools, VCFtools).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, and experience with scripting languages (e.g., Bash).
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and methods for genetic data analysis.
• Familiarity with database management and data warehousing concepts.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with large, complex datasets.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in population genetics or cancer genomics is a plus for this hybrid role in Polokwane.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further training.
• You will work with cutting-edge genomic technologies and high-performance computing resources.
• Join a vibrant research community making significant contributions to health sciences in Polokwane.
• We provide a supportive and intellectually stimulating work environment with a flexible hybrid work model.
• This role is based at our advanced research facility in Limpopo, South Africa.