Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join a fully remote, globally distributed team in the biotechnology sector. You will lead advanced analyses of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data, develop pipelines, and apply ML methods to identify biomarkers and predict drug efficacy.

The role requires a PhD or Master's in a quantitative field, 5+ years of experience, and strong programming in Python or R with libraries like Biopython, SciPy, and NumPy.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, CS, Statistics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑doc or industry experience in bioinformatics research.
• Proven expertise in analyzing next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data (RNA‑Seq, WGS, ChIP‑Seq).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R with relevant libraries.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement sophisticated bioinformatics analyses for large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets.
• Develop and maintain robust pipelines for data processing, quality control, and statistical analysis.
• Apply machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling to identify biomarkers and predict drug efficacy.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to interpret results and design follow-up studies.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Contribute to development of novel algorithms and methodologies in bioinformatics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with relevant standards.

Skills

Python

R

NGS data analysis

Machine learning

Statistical reasoning

Remote work

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related

MS in a quantitative field

Tools

Biopython

SciPy

NumPy

tidyverse

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering force in the biotechnology sector, dedicated to accelerating drug discovery through cutting-edge computational biology and data science. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist to join our fully remote, globally distributed team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research projects, working with complex biological datasets to uncover novel therapeutic targets and understand disease mechanisms. The ideal candidate will be passionate about leveraging advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to drive scientific breakthroughs. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, and data scientists, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our research pipeline. This remote-first position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, fostering a results-oriented and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement sophisticated bioinformatics analyses for large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets.
• Develop and maintain robust pipelines for data processing, quality control, and statistical analysis.
• Apply machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling to identify key biomarkers and predict drug efficacy.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to interpret results and design follow-up studies.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the development of novel algorithms and methodologies in bioinformatics.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with relevant standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in bioinformatics research.
• Proven expertise in analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data (e.g., RNA-Seq, WGS, ChIP-Seq).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, including experience with relevant bioinformatics libraries (e.g., Biopython, SciPy, NumPy, tidyverse).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Familiarity with biological databases (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl, UniProt) and data mining techniques.
• Excellent understanding of molecular biology and genetics.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, capable of explaining complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including a generous salary and potential for performance-based bonuses. We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Employees benefit from a flexible work schedule, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Support for attending scientific conferences and workshops is provided. You will be part of an innovative and collaborative team working on impactful research that has the potential to change lives. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.