Senior Research Associate - Genomics

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Associate to contribute to advanced genomics research in Port Elizabeth, supporting NGS library preparation, data analysis, and interpretation.

You will work with principal investigators to advance projects on genetic variation and disease, in a collaborative Eastern Cape research environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Genetics or Molecular Biology required.
• 3–5 years of genomics or molecular biology lab experience.
• Hands-on NGS library preparation experience.
• Proficiency with standard molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for genomics data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare libraries for NGS platforms and run sequencing.
• Maintain instruments and lab equipment.
• Analyze genomic data including variant calling and annotation.
• Record results and contribute to research reports.
• Collaborate on experimental design and data interpretation.

Skills

Genomics

NGS library prep

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

PCR/qPCR

Education

Master's degree in Genetics or Molecular Biology

Tools

Illumina sequencing instruments

Sequencing workflows

Bioinformatics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to contribute to their advanced genomics research in Port Elizabeth . This role is vital for supporting complex genomic studies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, data analysis, and interpretation. You will work closely with principal investigators and other researchers to advance projects focused on understanding genetic variation and its impact on disease. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced molecular biologist to grow their career within a supportive research environment in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Perform library preparation for various NGS platforms (e.g., Illumina).
• Operate and maintain sequencing instruments and associated equipment.
• Analyze and interpret genomic data, including variant calling and annotation.
• Troubleshoot experimental protocols and technical challenges in the lab.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to research reports.
• Collaborate with team members on experimental design and execution.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field.
• 3-5 years of practical experience in a genomics or molecular biology laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation is essential.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and databases for genomic data analysis.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple experiments concurrently.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge genomic technologies.
• Support for professional development and continuing education.
• A collaborative and dynamic research team environment.
• Be part of a growing scientific community in Port Elizabeth .