Senior Systems Biologist - Network Modeling

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Systems Biologist to join a globally distributed, remote-first team. The role focuses on constructing and analyzing dynamic biological networks using large-scale omics data to understand cellular processes and disease mechanisms.

The ideal candidate will lead modeling efforts, integrate genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, and collaborate with clinicians and biologists to translate findings into experimental design and therapeutic insights.

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field with strong systems biology experience.
• 6+ years post-doc or industry experience in systems biology and network modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R and network analysis libraries.

Responsibilities

• Build and validate computational models of biological networks.
• Integrate multi-omics data to create dynamic models.
• Identify key regulatory nodes and predict system behavior under perturbations.
• Design computational experiments to test hypotheses and guide experiments.
• Collaborate with wet-lab scientists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians.
• Develop robust bioinformatics pipelines for data processing and network analysis.
• Communicate complex results via reports and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to group strategy.
• Assist in grant writing and funding opportunities.

Skills

Python

R programming

Network analysis

Statistics

Machine learning

Omics data

Education

PhD in Systems Biology

Tools

NetworkX

igraph

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research institution focused on unraveling complex biological systems, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Systems Biologist with expertise in network modeling to join their globally distributed, remote-first team. This role is integral to understanding cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic responses through the construction and analysis of dynamic biological networks. You will leverage large-scale omics data, collaborate with diverse scientific disciplines, and develop predictive models to guide experimental design and therapeutic interventions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a systems biologist who thrives in an independent, remote research environment and is passionate about applying computational approaches to solve fundamental biological questions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate computational models of biological networks (e.g., gene regulatory networks, metabolic pathways, signaling networks).
• Integrate multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to construct comprehensive and dynamic biological models.
• Apply systems biology approaches to identify key regulatory nodes, predict system behavior under perturbations, and understand disease pathogenesis.
• Design and perform computational experiments to test hypotheses and guide experimental research.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to define research questions and interpret model outputs.
• Develop and maintain robust bioinformatics pipelines for data processing and network analysis.
• Communicate complex findings clearly and effectively through presentations, reports, and publications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in systems biology, network science, computational modeling, and relevant biological fields.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the strategic vision of the systems biology group.
• Contribute to grant writing and the pursuit of external funding opportunities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in systems biology, with a strong focus on network modeling.
• Expertise in developing and analyzing biological networks using computational tools and algorithms.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with network analysis libraries (e.g., NetworkX, igraph).
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and machine learning techniques applicable to biological data.
• Experience integrating and analyzing large-scale omics datasets.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective remote teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage projects, and deliver high-quality results.
• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health coverage, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. As a fully remote position, you benefit from unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance, with support for setting up an optimal home office. We invest heavily in professional development, offering opportunities to attend virtual conferences, specialized training, and access to cutting-edge computational resources. Join a forward-thinking organization based in Sandton, Gauteng , that is pushing the frontiers of biological understanding and therapeutic innovation through collaborative remote research.