Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to lead complex analytical projects across genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. You will develop pipelines, guide experiments, and collaborate with scientists to translate computational insights into therapeutic strategies.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D./M.Sc. in bioinformatics, 5+ years in industry-relevant roles, and strong Python/R skills, plus experience with cloud platforms and containerization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in a bioinformatics/computational biology research role, preferably in pharma/biotech.
• Proven expertise in analyzing NGS data (genome, exome, RNA-seq).
• Proficiency in Python and R; familiarity with bioinformatics libraries/frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sophisticated bioinformatics pipelines for genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data.
• Conduct in-depth statistical analysis of high-throughput sequencing data to identify drug targets and biomarkers.
• Design and execute computational experiments to validate hypotheses.
• Collaborate with biologists, geneticists, and pharmacologists to integrate findings with experiments.
• Contribute to experimental design and interpretation within R&D context.
• Stay updated on bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and methodologies.
• Mentor junior scientists in bioinformatics techniques.
• Present findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Ensure integrity and reproducibility of analyses.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the bioinformatics department.

Skills

Python

R

NGS data analysis

Statistical methods

Communication

Education

Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology

Tools

NCBI

Ensembl

BLAST

GATK

Docker

AWS

Google Cloud

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the field of genetic research and pharmaceutical development, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng . This pivotal role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and the development of novel therapeutic solutions. The successful candidate will leverage advanced computational approaches to analyze complex biological datasets, driving insights that will shape future research directions. This is an exciting chance to work within a collaborative and cutting-edge environment, making a tangible impact on human health. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of biological systems and a passion for unraveling complex genetic puzzles. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional eager to take on significant challenges and mentor junior members of the research team. The role requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to translate complex data into actionable scientific strategies. The work environment is both challenging and rewarding, fostering professional growth and scientific excellence in the heart of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sophisticated bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data.
• Conduct in-depth statistical analysis and interpretation of high-throughput sequencing data to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers.
• Design and execute computational experiments to validate biological hypotheses.
• Collaborate closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and pharmacologists to integrate computational findings with experimental results.
• Contribute to the design of experiments and the interpretation of results within a research and development context.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and methodologies.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates in bioinformatics techniques.
• Present findings at internal scientific meetings and potentially at external conferences.
• Ensure the integrity and reproducibility of all computational analyses.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the bioinformatics department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a bioinformatics or computational biology research role, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven expertise in analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, RNA-seq).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, and experience with bioinformatics libraries and frameworks.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and their application to biological data.
• Experience with common bioinformatics databases and tools (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl, BLAST, GATK).
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring or supervising junior researchers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and advanced training.
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and computational facilities in Midrand .
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.