Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning in Genomics

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully remote work

Continuous learning budget

Retirement benefits

Global collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with ML expertise to join a pioneering genomics research team. This fully remote role lets you contribute to transformative projects from anywhere while tackling large-scale genomic datasets.

You will develop and deploy advanced ML models, collaborate with bioinformaticians, and validate results, translating complex biology into actionable insights for precision medicine and disease research.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field (Data Science, CS, Statistics, Bioinformatics).
• 5+ years of professional data science experience focusing on ML.
• Proficiency in Python and R with ML libraries such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow or PyTorch.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy ML models for genomic data analysis.
• Develop novel algorithms for pattern recognition, classification, and feature extraction from large-scale biological datasets.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians to define research questions and analytical approaches.
• Implement and optimize ML models for cloud scalability and efficiency.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and validation of model performance.
• Communicate findings clearly through reports and presentations.

Skills

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Machine learning

Genomics

Statistical modeling

Education

PhD or Master’s in Data Science/CS/Statistics/Bioinformatics

Tools

Scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist with expertise in Machine Learning to join their pioneering research team in Durban . This is a fully remote position, empowering you to contribute to transformative projects in genomics from anywhere. You will be responsible for developing and implementing sophisticated machine learning models to uncover insights from vast genomic datasets, driving advancements in precision medicine and disease research. This role is critical for extracting actionable intelligence and translating complex biological data into tangible scientific outcomes, supported by a culture that champions remote collaboration and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy predictive models using machine learning techniques for genomic data analysis.
• Develop novel algorithms for pattern recognition, classification, and feature extraction from large-scale biological datasets.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians and domain experts to define research questions and analytical approaches.
• Implement and optimize machine learning models for scalability and efficiency in a cloud environment.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and validation of model performance.
• Communicate findings, methodologies, and recommendations clearly through reports and presentations.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Data Science , Computer Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on machine learning applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and R.
• Extensive experience with genomic data types and associated analytical challenges.
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data visualization techniques.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage complex projects in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance incentives.
• Fully remote working environment with global team collaboration.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous budget for continuous learning, including courses and conferences.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of genomic research.