Website Wits Health Consortium / University of Witwatersrand
The Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience SBIMB at Wits University is hiring a Junior Bioinformatician. This is one of the top bioinformatics jobs in South Africa 2026 for graduates with Masters in Genetics, Bioinformatics or related field. Work on African genomics research and GWAS studies. Closing date 19 June 2026. Based in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Job Details – Junior Bioinformatician SBIMB
- Position: Junior Bioinformatician
- Division: Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience SBIMB
- Employer: Wits Health Consortium / University of Witwatersrand
- Location: 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- Closing Date: 19 June 2026
- Reference: Junior Bioinformatician_SBIMB
- Apply To: vacancies43@witshealth.co.za
Main Purpose of Job
The Junior Bioinformatician will contribute to cutting-edge bioinformatics analyses focused on African populations. The role combines research support, data analysis, and capacity-building activities in African genomic science. You will work at the intersection of genetics, data science, and healthcare research.
What Does the Role Involve?
As a Junior Bioinformatician at SBIMB you will support research initiatives focused on African genomic science through:
- Quality control and preprocessing of Genome-Wide Association Study GWAS summary statistics
- Management and organisation of multi-omic datasets including genomic and transcriptomic data
- Running bioinformatics and statistical genetics pipelines
- Developing reproducible workflows and maintaining clear documentation
- Supporting training and capacity-building activities across African partner institutions
- Tracking project progress using GitHub, Jira, and Trello collaboration tools
- Contributing to research on African population genomics and psychiatric genetics
Minimum Requirements – Junior Bioinformatician
- Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Genetics, or related field – essential
- Bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant experience may be considered
- Experience working with biological or genomic datasets
- Familiarity with High-Performance Computing HPC environments
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix systems and command line
- Knowledge of scripting languages: Python, R, or Bash
- Understanding of human genetics and GWAS methodologies
- Experience with Git and version control systems
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
Advantageous Skills
- Interest in psychiatric genetics and African population genomics
- Experience with statistical genetics software and pipelines
- Knowledge of multi-omics data integration
- Previous research or publication experience
Why Bioinformatics Matters in 2026
Bioinformaticians have become indispensable members of research teams. Your ability to transform massive biological datasets into meaningful insights supports discoveries in medicine, public health, and precision healthcare. African populations remain underrepresented in global genomic research, creating both challenges and opportunities. Researchers at SBIMB Wits are helping generate knowledge that is more inclusive and relevant to diverse populations.
Career Growth for Junior Bioinformatician
This Junior Bioinformatician position offers more than technical experience. You will participate in research that influences healthcare outcomes, strengthens African scientific leadership, and contributes to globally significant discoveries. As demand for bioinformatics professionals grows worldwide, this role provides excellent platform for career development in computational biology and genomics.
How to Apply for SBIMB Junior Bioinformatician Jobs 2026
Submit detailed CV to vacancies43@witshealth.co.za before 19 June 2026. Use advert reference Junior Bioinformatician_SBIMB in email subject. Include academic transcripts, publication list if any, and contact details for 2 academic references.
Employment Equity: In accordance with Employment Equity goals, preference given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. Wits University is committed to diversity and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions – Bioinformatician Jobs
Can I apply with Bachelor’s degree? Yes, if you have substantial relevant bioinformatics experience. Masters degree preferred for Junior Bioinformatician role.
What programming languages are required? Python, R, and Bash/Linux scripting. Experience with HPC clusters is advantageous.
Is this position remote? No. This is an on-site position at SBIMB, Parktown Johannesburg. You will work with research team and HPC facilities.
What is SBIMB? Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience is Wits University’s genomics research institute. Named after Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner.
More Research Jobs Johannesburg 2026
Looking for more science and research vacancies? Visit plugyouin.co.za/research-jobs-2026-2027 for daily updates on Wits, UCT, UP, CSIR and academic research jobs.
Pro Tip: For Junior Bioinformatician applications, include GitHub portfolio + any bioinformatics projects. Highlight Python/R code samples. Apply before 19 June 2026 deadline.
For more information visit: https://www.witshealth.co.za/
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To apply for this job please visit witshealth.co.za.