Senior Bioinformatician In Novel Drug Discovery

About the Role

Our client, a leading research institution in Johannesburg, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Bioinformatician to join their cutting-edge Scientific Research & Development team. This pivotal role involves leveraging advanced computational techniques to analyze complex biological datasets, aiming to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. The ideal candidate will play a crucial part in developing and implementing innovative bioinformatics pipelines, contributing directly to groundbreaking research in areas such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. You will be working in a dynamic, collaborative environment, pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of drug discovery and development, contributing to solutions for challenging health issues. This role is ideal for an individual passionate about translating biological data into actionable insights and who thrives in a scientifically rigorous setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing large-scale 'omics' data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Perform statistical analysis and interpretation of biological data to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, chemists, and clinicians to define research questions and experimental designs.
• Develop and maintain databases for storing and managing biological and experimental data.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and methodologies.
• Generate clear and concise reports, presentations, and publications for both scientific and lay audiences.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of bioinformatics research within the R&D division.
• Mentor junior bioinformaticians and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in analyzing high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, WGS, WES).
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL.
• Experience with bioinformatics software and databases (e.g., BLAST, KEGG, Gene Ontology).
• Solid understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex data.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and workshops.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and computational resources.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment in Johannesburg, Gauteng .
• Potential for career advancement within a growing research organization.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Contribution to impactful scientific research.

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