Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics Data Analysis

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Retirement plan

Conferences funding

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Research facilities access

Paid vacation

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch is seeking a Senior Bioinformatician to lead genomic data analysis, develop pipelines, and collaborate with researchers in a hybrid on-site/remote model.

You'll apply Python/R, manage HPC workflows, and contribute to cancer genomics, infectious diseases and population genetics while mentoring junior staff and supporting manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bioinformatics with genomics data analysis.
• Strong proficiency in Python and R with bioinformatics libraries.
• Expertise in command-line tools and Linux/Unix environments.
• Solid understanding of statistics and machine learning for genomics.
• Experience with standard genomic tools/databases (GATK, SAMtools, Ensembl, UCSC).
• Experience managing large datasets and HPC environments.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaboration in hybrid settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication; cloud experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize bioinformatics pipelines for genomic data (WGS, RNA-Seq, etc).
• Perform statistical analysis to identify variations and expression patterns.
• Collaborate with scientists to design experiments and interpret results.
• Contribute to ML algorithm development for genomic data analysis.
• Manage and curate large genomic datasets and HPC workflows.
• Visualize and present genomic data to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay updated on genomics and computational methods.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and support manuscript preparation.

Skills

Python

R

Linux

HPC

Machine learning

Genomics

Data visualization

Education

PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

GATK

SAMtools

Ensembl

UCSC Genome Browser

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading genomics research institute located in the vibrant scientific hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA , is seeking an experienced Senior Bioinformatician. This role embraces a hybrid work model, allowing for both collaborative on-site engagement and focused remote work. You will be responsible for the analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, developing and implementing computational pipelines, and contributing to groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer genomics, infectious diseases, and population genetics. This position requires a deep understanding of bioinformatics tools, statistical methods, and programming languages essential for managing and interpreting complex biological data. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to our research efforts, bridging the gap between raw genomic data and actionable biological insights. We are committed to fostering a stimulating research environment that encourages innovation and scientific excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of diverse genomic data (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq).
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of genomic data to identify genetic variations, gene expression patterns, and regulatory elements.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, clinicians, and other researchers to design experiments and interpret results.
• Contribute to the development and application of machine learning algorithms for genomic data analysis.
• Manage and curate large genomic datasets, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Visualize and present complex genomic data effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics tools, and computational methodologies.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and provide technical support.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing efforts.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on genomics data analysis.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, and experience with bioinformatics libraries.
• Expertise in using command-line tools and working in a Linux/Unix environment.
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and machine learning techniques relevant to genomics.
• Experience with standard genomic analysis tools and databases (e.g., GATK, SAMtools, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser).
• Proven ability to manage large datasets and high-performance computing environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective dissemination of results.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and a retirement savings plan. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities and computational resources. We provide generous opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences and workshops. The hybrid work model offers flexibility and work-life balance. Additional benefits include paid vacation and a stimulating research environment with opportunities for impactful scientific contributions.