Job Description

Bioinformatics Scientist - Cape TownWatchmaker Genomicsis an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with a location in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine.Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for the full-time position of Bioinformatics Scientist, based in Cape Town, South Africa.This position reports to the Cape Town Senior Bioinformatics Scientist, and will be responsible for robust internal analytics and software development. This individual will support projects involving the design, development, and implementation of novel algorithms for analyzing large sequencing data sets, enabling the extraction of information on the functionality of novel enzymes for RNA/DNA manipulation, and modules or kits for analysis of nucleic acids in a variety of experimental contexts. This role will contribute to the development of automated analytical pipelines and requires rigorous, solution development and testing experience, as well as a solid understanding of existing tools and methods for data analysis. Implementation of novel algorithms will require both strong sequence analysis and quantitative/statistical analysis. The ideal candidate will also have a firm understanding of the basic molecular biology of sequencing library preparation and scalable software development practices, and a strong grasp of ML algorithms for data classification and prediction.The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in both innovative bioinformatics and computational biology as they relate to the development of high quality products for genomics, in addition to the development of robust internal infrastructure to enhance our R&D efficiency.ResponsibilitiesContribute to a highly innovative and efficient R&D computational biology programDevelop novel algorithms for the analysis of a wide variety of sequencing data setsBe a key contributor to a well-engineered and documented code baseProduce code that is robust, automatable, and repeatableContribute to strategies for efficient data analysis for the purpose of maximizing learning from new and historical datasetsPerform on-demand data analyses in support of Watchmakers product, sales, and marketing departmentsIdentify opportunities for internal process improvementSkills and RequirementsThe candidate should have an undergraduate degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematics/statistics, computer science, engineering, physics or similar relevant field. Relevant industry experience or relevant higher degrees (hons, M.Sc, Phd) are preferred.The candidate must have a strong foundation in quantitative data analysis and problem solving. Ability to develop solutions using machine learning techniques is preferred. Software development skills are required. A basic understanding of biological sample sequencing and areas including structural biology and data extraction from large biological databases is a plus.The following skills and experience are requirements:Proficiency in Python is requiredAn understanding of source control using git is requiredA strong foundation in statistics is requiredStrong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a goal-oriented teamAdept and creative problem-solving skillsAbility to plan, build, troubleshoot and complete solutions to data analysis problemsExcellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detailExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAdept at data wranglingThe following skills and experience are beneficial for the position:Familiarity with at least one statically typed languages such as C++, Java, or RustAn understanding of existing tools for sequencing data analysisUnderstanding of bioinformatics algorithms and best practicesAbility to develop solutions using machine learning techniquesA basic understanding of molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sequencing library preparationFamiliarity with software testing frameworksDemonstrated ability to plan, build, troubleshoot and complete self-created software solutions to advanced data analysis problems, preferably including ML techniques.Our stackWe utilize AWS for storage, compute, and other services, with Jenkins for CI/CD, Postgres as our flavor of db, Nextflow for pipelines, and Python as our main development language. We use a combination of horizontal and vertical scaling as the need dictates. Version control is with git, and repos on GitHub.EducationAn undergraduate degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, physics or related relevant fields is required.Relevant industry experience or relevant higher degrees (hons, M.Sc, Phd) are preferred.Application ProcedureTo apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format Indeed.com:Letter of motivationResume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experienceApplications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYERWatchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.Job Type: Full-timeApplication Question(s):What do you think makes an effective Bioinformatics Scientist?What qualities do you think you have at the moment that would make you a good candidate for the role?

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