Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg, Gauteng is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist to lead analyses in genomics and drug discovery. You will develop pipelines, apply ML, and mentor scientists while collaborating with biologists, chemists, and software engineers.

The role emphasizes statistical rigor, pipeline development, and publication-quality outputs in a hybrid on-site/remote setting at our Johannesburg facility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement bioinformatics analyses for large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Develop and optimize computational pipelines for data processing, quality control, and variant calling.
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to identify significant biological patterns and biomarkers.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to interpret results and design future experiments.
• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms and software tools for biological data analysis.
• Manage and curate biological databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts for publication, and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the research group.

Skills

Python

R

Perl

statistical analysis

machine learning

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics or related field

Tools

BLAST

Ensembl

UCSC Genome Browser

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research and development firm, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves contributing to cutting-edge projects focused on molecular biology, genomics, and drug discovery. You will be instrumental in analyzing complex biological datasets, developing novel computational tools, and collaborating with cross-functional teams of biologists, chemists, and software engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, and bioinformatics pipelines. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the scientific community and advance the frontiers of life sciences. We are committed to fostering an environment of innovation and scientific excellence, providing researchers with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to drive groundbreaking discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement bioinformatics analyses for large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Develop and optimize computational pipelines for data processing, quality control, and variant calling.
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to identify significant biological patterns and biomarkers.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to interpret results and design future experiments.
• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms and software tools for biological data analysis.
• Manage and curate biological databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts for publication, and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the research group.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in bioinformatics research.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Perl.
• Strong experience with bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., BLAST, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser).
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and machine learning techniques relevant to biological data.
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis (NGS).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Prior experience in drug discovery or related pharmaceutical research is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including a generous annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• We provide a robust retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and further training, are readily available.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that balances on-site collaboration in Johannesburg, Gauteng with remote flexibility.
• We also offer paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• A stimulating work environment with access to cutting-edge technology and resources ensures your career growth.