Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Senior Bioinformatics Scientist I, Team Lead based In Cape Town, South Africa. This position reports to the Vice President of Software and Computational Biology and will be responsible for leading a small team of bioinformatics scientists and engineers, in addition to contributing directly to scientific and technical efforts. The successful candidate will oversee robust internal analytical pipeline development, ad hoc R&D data analysis, and mathematical model development in support of novel enzyme technologies for DNA and RNA manipulation.

This role requires not only technical expertise in designing and implementing scalable algorithms for large sequencing datasets, but also the ability to manage and mentor a team. The candidate will provide hands-on leadership, helping to prioritize work, allocate resources, and cultivate a collaborative, high-performing environment that fosters scientific and professional growth.

The ideal candidate will manage bioinformatics projects from conception through execution, defining clear milestones, timelines, and ensuring effective cross-functional communication. This includes close collaboration with software engineers, product teams, and wet lab scientists to drive product innovation and support research initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a small team of bioinformatics scientists and engineers, fostering growth, collaboration, and high performance

• Work closely with fellow bioinformaticians, software engineers, and wet-lab scientists to develop novel algorithms for analyzing sequencing data from innovative enzyme systems
• Take an active role in shaping and executing bioinformatics projects, helping define goals, coordinate timelines, and ensure shared accountability for projects
• Contribute to and help maintain a robust, scalable, and well-documented codebase that supports both R&D exploration and product development
• Provide guidance, support, and day-to-day mentorship to junior team members while also learning from and collaborating with more experienced peers
• Support a team culture rooted in openness, scientific curiosity, and shared ownership of ideas, tools, and outcomes
• Help foster clear, cross-functional communication with wet-lab R&D, product development, and commercial teams to ensure alignment of technical and business goals
• Champion a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and shared ownership across both scientific and engineering domains

Skills and Requirements:

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematics/statistics, physics or related discipline with 2+ years of industry experience (or an M.Sc with 5+ years industry).

The candidate must have a proven track record of high-throughput sequencing data analysis in addition to a strong foundation in quantitative data analysis. Strong software engineering skills and a good understanding of methods of sequencing library preparation are required. Experience in other areas including structural biology, data extraction from large biological databases (e.g., GEO, TCGA, JGI genome database, etc.) is a plus.

The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:

• Demonstrated experience managing scientific projects and contributing to team-wide planning and execution
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues, with an interest in contributing to their growth within a collaborative team setting
• Strong track record of sequencing data analysis and quantitative modeling, ideally in a multidisciplinary or cross-functional environment
• Proficiency in Python; familiarity with statically typed or compiled languages such as C++, Rust, or Java is a plus
• Understanding of molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sequencing library preparation; comfort working closely with wet-lab colleagues
• Strong software engineering skills, including experience with version control, testing, and well-structured codebases
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and levels of expertise
• A team-first mindset, curiosity-driven approach to science, and a willingness to learn from and contribute to others

Education:

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematics/statistics, or physics with 2+ years of industry experience (or an M.Sc with 5+ years industry) in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematics/statistics, or physics.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications 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 will also request a current payslip.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by 17 October 2025. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics

SOUTH AFRICA - WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker 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, colour, 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. South African citizens preferred.

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.