Bioinformatics scientists 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.

  • 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.
  • Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
  • Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
  • Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
  • Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
  • Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.
  • Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
  • Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
  • Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 88% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 89% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 82% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 86% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 78% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 89% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Advise others on business or operational matters.
  • Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
  • Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
  • Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
  • Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
  • Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
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Knowledge

Biology
  • Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base management system software
  • Oracle PL/SQL Hot Technology
  • Relational database management software Hot Technology
  • NoSQL Hot Technology
  • Microsoft SQL Server Hot Technology
  • MySQL Hot Technology
  • Apache Hadoop Hot Technology
Web platform development software
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP Hot Technology
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON Hot Technology
  • JavaScript Hot Technology
  • Hypertext markup language HTML Hot Technology
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP Hot Technology
  • PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor Hot Technology
  • Django Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Oracle software Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Amazon Web Services AWS software Hot Technology
  • Teradata software
  • Apache Accumulo
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
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