Senior Bioinformatician - Genomics Research

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement savings

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Bioinformatician role with a world‑renowned genomics research institute. The position is primarily remote, with occasional travel to Pretoria for collaboration and planning.

You will design and optimize computational pipelines to analyze next‑generation sequencing data and partner with scientists to translate data into insights. The role emphasizes ML applications, data visualization, and contributions to high‑impact research, offering flexibility

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in a quantitative field (bioinformatics, computational biology, CS, statistics)
• 6+ years hands-on bioinformatics experience focused on genomics
• Proficiency in Python, R, and/or Perl; strong Linux/Unix skills

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain pipelines for analyzing WGS, RNA-Seq, and ChIP-Seq data.
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of large genomic datasets.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists and clinicians to design studies and interpret results.
• Develop and apply machine learning models for biological data analysis.
• Create data visualizations and reports to communicate findings.
• Contribute to novel algorithm development and computational methods.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and researchers.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and proper documentation of workflows.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

Linux/Unix

Machine learning

Data visualization

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or related quantitative field

Tools

NGS pipelines

NCBI

Ensembl

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a world‑renowned genomics research institute, seeking an experienced Senior Bioinformatician to join their pioneering team. This position is crucial for advancing our understanding of complex biological systems through the analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data. While the position is primarily remote, occasional travel to our facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng may be required for collaborative meetings and project planning. You will be instrumental in developing and applying computational pipelines to analyze next‑generation sequencing data, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and evolutionary biology. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, deep expertise in bioinformatics tools and algorithms, and a passion for leveraging data to drive biological insights. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a leading research organization from a flexible, remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing high‑throughput sequencing data (e.g., WGS, RNA‑Seq, ChIP‑Seq).
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of large genomic datasets.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists and clinicians to design studies and interpret results.
• Develop and apply machine learning models for biological data analysis.
• Create data visualizations and reports to communicate findings effectively.
• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms and computational methods.
• Manage and curate genomic databases.
• Stay up‑to‑date with the latest advancements in bioinformatics, genomics, and related fields.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and researchers.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and proper documentation of analysis workflows.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in bioinformatics, with a focus on genomics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and/or Perl.
• Extensive experience with command‑line tools and environments (Linux/Unix).
• Strong knowledge of next‑generation sequencing technologies and data analysis workflows.
• Experience with statistical methods and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Familiarity with major public genomic databases (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl).
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Track record of publications in bioinformatics or genomics is highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes substantial retirement savings contributions, performance‑based bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• substantial retirement savings contributions
• performance‑based bonuses
• comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)

Our client is dedicated to fostering professional growth, providing access to online courses, webinars, and opportunities to attend virtual conferences. A strong emphasis is placed on work‑life balance, offering a flexible remote work schedule and generous paid time off. You will be part of a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating international team, contributing to cutting‑edge research from the comfort of your home.

While based virtually, you remain connected to the vibrant research community associated with our Pretoria operations, with opportunities for occasional virtual or in‑person collaboration. The opportunity for career advancement is significant, as our client values and promotes talent from within.