Senior Computational Biologist - Genomics

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 2,538,000 - 3,553,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development funding

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Computational Biologist to join a fully remote team focused on genomic research. You will analyze large-scale NGS datasets to uncover biological insights and disease markers, using advanced computational methods.

The role requires a PhD in a related field and 5+ years of experience, with proficiency in Python or R, Linux, and HPC. Collaboration across scientists and clinicians will drive research directions and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics or related field.
• 5+ years post-PhD experience in computational biology/genomics.
• Strong Python or R programming and NGS data handling experience.
• Proficiency with Linux/Unix, HPC environments, and Git for reproducible research.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement pipelines for diverse genomic data (WGS, exome, RNA-Seq).
• Apply statistics and ML methods to identify genetic variants and expression patterns.
• Collaborate with biologists and bioinformaticians to guide research directions.
• Develop algorithms/tools to improve data analysis efficiency and reproducibility.
• Analyze and visualize large genomic datasets; contribute to publications and grants.
• Present findings at meetings and conferences; stay updated on genomics advances.

Skills

Python

R

Machine learning

Statistics

Communication

Education

PhD in Computational Biology

Tools

Git

Linux

Cloud (AWS/GCP)

HPC

NGS tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a cutting-edge biotechnology firm at the forefront of genomic research and personalized medicine. We are seeking an exceptionally talented Senior Computational Biologist to join our innovative and fully remote team. This pivotal role will involve the analysis of large-scale genomic datasets to uncover novel biological insights, identify disease markers, and drive the development of new therapeutic strategies. You will leverage advanced computational tools and algorithms to interpret complex genomic data, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate scientist to make significant contributions to genomic research from anywhere, collaborating with a world-class team dedicated to advancing human health.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement computational pipelines for the analysis of diverse genomic data (e.g., whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq). Develop and apply statistical and machine learning methods to identify genetic variations, gene expression patterns, and regulatory networks. Collaborate with experimental biologists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians to interpret findings and guide research directions. Develop novel algorithms and tools to address specific biological questions and improve data analysis efficiency. Manage, analyze, and visualize large genomic datasets from various sources. Contribute to the writing of scientific publications and grant proposals. Present research findings at internal meetings and international conferences. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in genomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics. Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and adherence to best practices in computational biology.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field. Minimum of 5 years of relevant post-doctoral or industry experience in computational biology or genomics. Demonstrated expertise in analyzing large-scale genomic datasets, with a strong understanding of NGS technologies. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant bioinformatics libraries. Solid experience with command-line environments (Linux/Unix) and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters. Strong understanding of statistical principles and machine learning techniques applicable to biological data. Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and reproducible research practices. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting. Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP) is a plus. Experience with specific genomic analysis tools and databases is highly valued.

Benefits

As a fully remote position, this role offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from any location. Our client provides a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development funding. We foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning, with opportunities to attend leading scientific conferences and workshops. You will collaborate with a diverse and talented team of scientists globally, contributing to impactful research that has the potential to transform healthcare. This remote role allows you to contribute significantly to groundbreaking genomics research without geographic constraints, based remotely but connected to our team.