About the Role
Our client, a dynamic and innovative biotechnology firm located in East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking a Senior Computational Biologist to lead advanced analyses of genomic and transcriptomic data. This role is critical for driving research discoveries, understanding complex biological systems, and informing therapeutic development. You will work with large datasets generated from next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, applying sophisticated computational and statistical methods to extract meaningful biological insights. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in biology, coupled with expertise in bioinformatics tools, scripting, and statistical analysis relevant to genomics. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform in-depth analysis of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq, single-cell RNA-Seq).
- Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, and variant calling.
- Utilize statistical methods and machine learning techniques to identify biological patterns, gene expression changes, and regulatory networks.
- Collaborate with experimental biologists to interpret computational findings and design follow-up experiments.
- Contribute to the design of sequencing experiments and study protocols.
- Develop visualizations and reports to communicate complex biological findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Stay current with advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and relevant computational techniques.
- Maintain and manage research data, ensuring its integrity and accessibility.
- Mentor junior team members and contribute to the scientific direction of research projects.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related quantitative field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in computational biology or bioinformatics, with a strong focus on analyzing NGS data.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or R, and experience with bioinformatics libraries and tools.
- Strong understanding of statistical concepts and experience applying them to biological data.
- Experience with common bioinformatics software and databases (e.g., reference genomes, variant databases, gene annotation).
- Familiarity with cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and high-performance computing clusters is a plus.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
Benefits
- Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
- We offer a supportive retirement savings plan and ample opportunities for professional development, including training, conference attendance, and access to cutting-edge research resources.
- Generous paid time off supports a healthy work-life balance.
- This role in East London, Eastern Cape , offers a chance to be at the forefront of biological discovery within a rapidly growing company. Advance your career in a supportive and innovative research environment.