Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics & Precision Medicine (Remote)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bioinformatician to join a remote South Africa-based research team. The role focuses on analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data to uncover biomarkers and advance precision medicine. Collaboration with biologists and computational scientists is essential.

Requirements include a PhD in a quantitative field, 5+ years of bioinformatics experience, and proficiency in Python and R. Experience with GATK, STAR, Kallisto, and DESeq2 is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in bioinformatics with genomic/transcriptomic data.
• Experience with NGS pipelines and GATK/STAR/Kallisto/DESeq2.
• Proficiency in Python and R with bioinformatics libraries.
• Familiarity with Ensembl/UCSC and cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics).
• Perform data analysis, interpretation, and visualization of complex datasets.
• Identify and validate potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy response.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to design studies and interpret results.
• Develop reproducible analysis workflows and ensure data integrity.
• Stay updated on advances in bioinformatics and precision medicine.
• Contribute to development of novel computational methods and algorithms.
• Communicate complex findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Participate in writing manuscripts, grant proposals, and internal reports.
• Manage and curate biological databases and knowledge resources.

Skills

Python

R

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics pipelines

Statistical methods

Cloud computing

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics

Tools

GATK

STAR

Kallisto

DESeq2

Ensembl

UCSC Genome Browser

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in personalized medicine, is actively seeking a Senior Bioinformatician to join their innovative research team. This role is entirely remote, allowing you to contribute from anywhere in South Africa . The Senior Bioinformatician will be at the forefront of analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data to uncover novel biological insights, identify biomarkers, and advance precision medicine initiatives. You will collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and computational scientists to interpret complex biological datasets and translate them into actionable research strategies. This is a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on the future of healthcare through cutting-edge bioinformatics analysis in a fully remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics.
• Perform comprehensive data analysis, interpretation, and visualization of complex biological datasets.
• Identify and validate potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to design studies and interpret results in the context of biological systems.
• Develop and maintain reproducible analysis workflows and ensure data integrity.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and precision medicine.
• Contribute to the development of novel computational methods and algorithms.
• Communicate complex findings effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Participate in the writing of scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and internal reports.
• Manage and curate biological databases and knowledge resources.

Requirements

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bioinformatics, with a strong focus on analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data.
• Proven experience with NGS data analysis pipelines and relevant software packages (e.g., GATK, STAR, Kallisto, DESeq2).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, including relevant bioinformatics libraries.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and their application in biological data analysis.
• Experience with biological databases (e.g., Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser) and data formats (e.g., VCF, BAM, FASTQ).
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, excellent health and wellness benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions, and generous paid time off. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and provides access to online training resources, workshops, and virtual conferences to support professional development. The flexibility of working remotely enhances work-life integration.