Senior Geneticist - Diagnostics Development (Remote)

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Home office setup allowance

Stock options may be offered

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geneticist to join a remote-first R&D team focused on designing, validating, and improving genetic tests for rare diseases, inherited conditions, and pharmacogenomics. You will work independently to develop assays, analyze complex data, and translate findings into clinically meaningful insights.

In this remote role, you will collaborate with scientists and clinical specialists, mentor junior staff, and ensure adherence to quality and regulatory standards while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Genetics or closely related field.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on experience in genetic research and diagnostic assay development.
• Proven track record in developing and validating clinical genetic tests.
• Experience with NGS, Sanger sequencing, and qPCR.
• Excellent remote communication and independent work skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and validation of new genetic assays (PCR, sequencing, microarrays).
• Design experimental protocols for genetic analysis with robustness and clinical utility in mind.
• Analyze and interpret complex genetic data to identify variants and markers.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to translate diagnostic needs into assay requirements.
• Stay updated on advancements in genetic technologies and disease genetics.
• Contribute to regulatory submission documents (FDA, CE-IVD).
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues and implement corrections.
• Author scientific reports and present findings at forums.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems and regulatory standards.

Skills

Genetics expertise

Molecular diagnostics

Assay development

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Genetics or Molecular Biology

Tools

NGS

Sanger sequencing

qPCR

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in innovative diagnostic solutions, is looking for a highly accomplished Senior Geneticist to join their fully remote research and development team. This position focuses on the design, development, and validation of novel genetic tests for a range of applications, including rare diseases, inherited conditions, and pharmacogenomics. As a remote-first employee, you will leverage your extensive expertise in human genetics, molecular diagnostics, and assay development to drive critical projects forward. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to our scientific strategy, working independently to conceptualize and execute research plans. This role demands a rigorous scientific approach, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to translate complex genetic data into clinically relevant insights. You will collaborate closely with other scientists and clinical specialists via advanced digital communication tools. We are committed to building a world-class remote workforce dedicated to improving patient outcomes through precise genetic diagnostics. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of genetic healthcare from your remote workspace.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and validation of new genetic assays, including those based on PCR, sequencing (NGS), and microarrays.
• Design experimental protocols for genetic analysis, ensuring robustness, accuracy, and clinical utility.
• Analyze and interpret complex genetic data, identifying pathogenic variants and genetic markers.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to understand diagnostic needs and translate them into assay requirements.
• Stay updated on advancements in genetic technologies, population genetics, and disease-specific genetic research.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submission documents (e.g., FDA, CE-IVD).
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Author scientific reports, publications, and present findings at relevant forums.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure adherence to quality management systems and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Human Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in genetic research and diagnostic assay development.
• Proven track record in developing and validating clinical genetic tests.
• Expertise in various genetic analysis techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and quantitative PCR.
• Strong understanding of human genetics, population genetics, and disease mechanisms.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for variant calling, annotation, and interpretation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for a remote role.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate near Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA for potential future hybrid requirements, though the role is currently fully remote.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Flexible working hours within a remote structure.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Collaborative virtual work environment.
• Stock options may be offered.