Bioinformatics Scientists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-1029
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
• 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.
• Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
• Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.

Tools and technology

Amazon Web Services AWS software, Apache Hadoop, Bash, C, C#, C++, Django, Docker, Extensible markup language XML, Git, GitHub, Hypertext markup language HTML

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Bioinformatics Technicians
• Data Scientists
• Molecular and Cellular Biologists
• Geneticists
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
• Biostatisticians
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Biological Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Bioinformatics Scientists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.