Skip to main content

Bioinformatics Scientists

Overview

Bioinformatics scientists use advanced computer science, statistics, and biology to study huge sets of biological data, such as DNA sequences and protein structures. They design algorithms, build databases, and create software tools that help doctors, biologists, and pharmaceutical companies understand diseases, discover new drugs, and personalize medical treatments. In this role, they make strategic decisions about which data to analyze, how to model it, and which computational methods—like machine learning or dynamic programming—will give the most accurate and useful results.
Bioinformatics Scientists

Did you know?

Most positions require a PhD or Master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields, with strong competition from highly qualified candidates.

At a Glance

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Installation

Key Responsibilities

  • Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
  • Develop data models and databases.
  • Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
  • Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
  • Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
  • Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
  • Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
  • Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
  • Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
  • Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
  • Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
  • Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
  • Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
  • Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
  • Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
  • Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.
  • Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
  • Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
  • Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
  • Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.

Career Considerations

Advanced Degree Requirements

Most positions require a PhD or Master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields, with strong competition from highly qualified candidates.

Interdisciplinary Skill Set

Success requires proficiency in both biological sciences and computational skills including programming languages like Python, R, and knowledge of statistical analysis.

Industry Growth in Biotech Hubs

Major opportunities exist in American biotech centers like Boston, San Francisco Bay Area, and Research Triangle, driven by pharmaceutical companies and genomics startups.

Want to dig deeper?

Talk to blinky to learn more.

Start chatting
BETA
New York

25 Kent Ave, Suite 401
Brooklyn, NY
11249


North Carolina

204 N Person
Street. Raleigh, NC
27601

Australia

Level 4/80
Wentworth Ave,
Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010