Bioinformatics Technicians

Also called: Assistant Research Scientist, Bioinformatics Analyst, Bioinformatics Research Technician, Bioinformatics Specialist, Bioinformatics Technician

Bioinformatics Technicians

Varies

estimated salary

Bioinformatics technicians apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology, and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.

  • Analyze or manipulate bioinformatics data using software packages, statistical applications, or data mining techniques.
  • Extend existing software programs, web-based interactive tools, or database queries as sequence management and analysis needs evolve.
  • Maintain awareness of new and emerging computational methods and technologies.
  • Conduct quality analyses of data inputs and resulting analyses or predictions.
  • Enter or retrieve information from structural databases, protein sequence motif databases, mutation databases, genomic databases or gene expression databases.
  • Develop or maintain applications that process biologically based data into searchable databases for purposes of analysis, calculation, or presentation.
  • Confer with researchers, clinicians, or information technology staff to determine data needs and programming requirements and to provide assistance with database-related research activities.
  • Participate in the preparation of reports or scientific publications.
  • Write computer programs or scripts to be used in querying databases.
  • Document all database changes, modifications, or problems.
  • Create data management or error-checking procedures and user manuals.
  • Develop or apply data mining and machine learning algorithms.
  • Design or implement web-based tools for querying large-scale biological databases.
  • Monitor database performance and perform any necessary maintenance, upgrades, or repairs.
  • Confer with database users about project timelines and changes.
  • Perform routine system administrative functions, such as troubleshooting, back-ups, or upgrades.
  • Package bioinformatics data for submission to public repositories.
  • Train bioinformatics staff or researchers in the use of databases.
  • Test new or updated software or tools and provide feedback to developers.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 88% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 81% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 61% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 82% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 54% responded "Extremely important".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 43% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 41% responded "A lot of freedom".
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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.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Develop computer or online applications.
  • Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
  • Enter information into databases or software programs.
  • Analyze operational or research data.
  • Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
  • Develop data analysis or data management procedures.
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Knowledge

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.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Biology
  • Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning
  • Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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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.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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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:

Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoiP system software Hot Technology
Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
  • Linux Hot Technology
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Microsoft Visio Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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