Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics and Proteomics

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a leading research institute in Polokwane to recruit a Senior Bioinformatician. You will analyze complex genomic and proteomic datasets, build robust computational pipelines, and develop novel algorithms to drive biological discovery and therapeutic development.

You will collaborate with biologists, chemists, and clinicians in a hybrid work environment, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to publications and grant proposals while leveraging cloud and HPC

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional bioinformatics experience with genomics/proteomics.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or Perl and shell scripting.
• Strong understanding of statistics and machine learning for biological data.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) and HPC environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (WGS, WES, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq).
• Analyze proteomic data and integrate with genomic data for multi-omics studies.
• Design and conduct statistical analyses to identify biomarkers and targets.
• Develop machine learning algorithms to interpret complex datasets.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to design studies and interpret results.
• Manage and curate large biological databases ensuring data integrity.
• Contribute to publications, grants, and presentations.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and train researchers in tools and methods.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

Shell scripting

Machine learning

Cloud computing

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

GATK

Bioconductor

Linux

AWS

GCP

HPC environments

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research institute dedicated to advancing human health, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Bioinformatician to join their dynamic team in Polokwane . This pivotal role will focus on the analysis of complex genomic and proteomic datasets to drive biological discovery and support therapeutic development. You will design and implement computational pipelines, develop novel algorithms, and collaborate closely with biologists, chemists, and clinicians. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a field that is rapidly transforming medicine. The position is based in our modern laboratories in Polokwane , offering a hybrid work model that combines essential in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating environment, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong quantitative background, excellent programming skills, and a passion for unraveling biological complexities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including WGS, WES, RNA-seq, and ChIP-seq.
• Perform comprehensive analysis of proteomic data, integrating it with genomic information for multi-omics studies.
• Design and conduct statistical analyses to identify significant biological insights, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
• Develop and apply machine learning algorithms to interpret complex biological data and predict outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists to design studies, interpret results, and guide future research directions.
• Manage and curate large biological databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Contribute to scientific publications, grant proposals, and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and train researchers on bioinformatics tools and methodologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in bioinformatics, with a strong focus on genomics and/or proteomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing large-scale biological datasets using standard bioinformatics tools and databases.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Perl, and experience with shell scripting.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applicable to biological data.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing independent research with team collaboration.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Employees have access to state-of-the-art computational resources and cutting-edge research facilities in Polokwane . Opportunities for professional development, including attending conferences and workshops, are provided. The hybrid work model offers flexibility. We foster a collaborative and innovative research environment. Paid time off and clear opportunities for career advancement within a leading life sciences organization are integral to our compensation package.