Career Overview
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Also Known As
- Bioinformaticist
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Scientist
Alternate Job Titles
- Bioinformatician
- Bioinformaticist
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Bioinformatics Associate
- Bioinformatics Computer Scientist
- Bioinformatics Consultant
- Bioinformatics Data Analyst
- Bioinformatics Developer
- Bioinformatics Engineer
- Bioinformatics Research Scientist
- Bioinformatics Research Specialist
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Bioinformatics Support Specialist
- Computational Biologist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- 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.
- Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
- Develop data models and databases.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Biology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Science
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Fluency of Ideas
- Mathematical Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Adaptability
- Dependability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Apache Hadoop
- Bash
- C
- C#
- C++
- Django
- Docker
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Biological Scientists, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Bioinformatics Scientists.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $54,500 |
| Median | $93,330 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $159,780 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 59,710
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Bioinformatics Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $71,490
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,330
Geneticists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: $93,330
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $106,950
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.