Senior Bioinformatics Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Specialist for our cutting-edge biotechnology client in Benoni, Gauteng. You will design pipelines for NGS data, analyze genomic/transcriptomic datasets, and collaborate with bench scientists to drive research outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc/PhD in a related field, 5+ years of hands-on experience, and strong Python/R skills. The role is based at our modern Benoni facility and offers opportunities for growth in a dynamic research

Qualifications

• Requires MSc/PhD in bioinformatics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on bioinformatics experience with NGS data.
• Proficient in Python and R; strong statistical and ML skills.
• Familiarity with Bioconductor, Ensembl, NCBI and Linux/Unix.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement bioinformatics pipelines for NGS data.
• Analyze genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets statistically.
• Collaborate with biologists and researchers to interpret results.
• Develop and maintain large-scale biological data databases.
• Stay current with bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and methods.
• Help formulate research hypotheses based on data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations of findings.
• Ensure data quality and reproducibility of analyses.
• Troubleshoot computational issues and provide research support.
• Assist in writing grant proposals and manuscripts.

Skills

Python

R

Statistics

Machine Learning

Communication

Collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

Bioconductor

Ensembl

NCBI

Linux/Unix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge biotechnology firm focused on genomic research, is seeking a talented Senior Bioinformatics Specialist to join their expanding team. This role is based at their modern research facility in Benoni, Gauteng. The Senior Bioinformatics Specialist will be responsible for analyzing complex biological datasets, developing computational pipelines, and supporting various research projects, including genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics. This position requires a deep understanding of biological data, strong programming skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with bench scientists. We are dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and providing a stimulating work environment in the vibrant Gauteng province. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a dynamic setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Perform statistical analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, geneticists, and other researchers to interpret results and address biological questions.
• Develop and maintain databases for storing and managing large-scale biological data.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of new research hypotheses based on data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations of findings.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and reproducibility of analyses.
• Troubleshoot computational issues and provide support to research staff.
• Assist in the writing of grant proposals and manuscripts for publication.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in bioinformatics analysis, with a focus on NGS data.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and databases (e.g., Bioconductor, Ensembl, NCBI).
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics.
• Experience with command-line Linux/Unix environments.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Previous experience within the Benoni area or a strong commitment to working in this location is required.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health benefits
• a retirement savings plan
• generous opportunities for professional development and training