Senior Bioinformatics Analyst

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary growth

Health insurance

PTO & holidays

Professional development

Tools & resources

Collaborative environment

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Analyst for a prominent biotechnology firm in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on analyzing genomics and transcriptomics data to support drug discovery, developing robust pipelines, and collaborating with experimental scientists to yield meaningful insights.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Bioinformatics or related field, 4+ years’ hands-on experience, and strong Python or R skills, with Linux/Unix proficiency and experience with

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics or related field.
• 4+ years hands-on experience as a Bioinformatics Analyst or similar role.
• Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis and scripting.
• Experience with analyzing NGS data is essential.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and command-line interface.

Responsibilities

• Analyze NGS data (genomics, exome, RNA-seq) using established tools and pipelines.
• Develop, implement, and validate bioinformatics workflows for processing and QC.
• Interpret results from genomic analyses and identify key findings or biomarkers.
• Collaborate with biologists and geneticists to support experimental design and hypothesis generation.
• Ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency of analyses.
• Contribute to development and maintenance of biological databases and annotations.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing analytical findings.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

GATK

Samtools

BEDTools

Ensembl

UCSC Genome Browser

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent biotechnology firm located in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Senior Bioinformatics Analyst to join their expanding research operations. This critical role involves the analysis and interpretation of complex biological datasets, primarily focusing on genomics and transcriptomics, to support drug discovery and development efforts. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust analytical pipelines, ensuring data quality, and collaborating closely with experimental scientists to derive meaningful biological insights. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative research in a supportive and dynamic setting within the scenic Paarl region.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including whole-genome, exome, and RNA-sequencing, using established bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Develop, implement, and validate bioinformatics workflows for data processing, quality control, and statistical analysis.
• Interpret results from genomic and transcriptomic analyses, identifying key findings, patterns, and potential biomarkers.
• Collaborate with biologists and geneticists to support experimental design, data interpretation, and hypothesis generation.
• Ensure the accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency of bioinformatics analyses.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of biological databases and annotation resources.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing analytical findings for internal stakeholders and scientific meetings.
• Stay current with advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and relevant biological sciences.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to data analysis and computational infrastructure.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience as a Bioinformatics Analyst or similar role.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis and scripting.
• Experience with common bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., GATK, Samtools, BEDTools, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser).
• Solid understanding of statistical concepts relevant to biological data analysis.
• Experience with analyzing NGS data is essential.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix operating systems and command-line interface.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based increments.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training courses, and conference attendance.
• Access to advanced bioinformatics tools and computational resources.
• A collaborative and stimulating work environment.
• Retirement savings plan.