What You Need to Know About Bioinformatics Scientist
Bioinformatics Scientist Job Description 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.
A Day in the Life of a Bioinformatics Scientist
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
- Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
- Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
- Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
- Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
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What a Bioinformatics Scientist Should Know
Bioinformatics Scientists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Bioinformatics Scientist Job Titles
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Scientific Informatics Project Leader
- Director of Translation and Experimental Medicine Bioinformatics
- Scientific Database Curator
- Computational Biologist
Is There Job Demand for Bioinformatics Scientists?
In the United States, there were 38,700 jobs for Bioinformatics Scientist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Bioinformatics Scientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,700 positions for Bioinformatics Scientist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Bioinformatics Scientist are Nevada, Utah, and Ohio. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Bioinformatics Scientists Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Bioinformatics Scientist ranges between $45,030 and $126,390.
Bioinformatics Scientists who work in Maryland, Rhode Island, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Bioinformatics Scientists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $67,200 |
Alaska | $77,430 |
Arizona | $83,680 |
Arkansas | $74,380 |
California | $91,340 |
Colorado | $71,380 |
Connecticut | $93,180 |
Delaware | $91,760 |
District of Columbia | $104,460 |
Florida | $71,200 |
Georgia | $72,460 |
Hawaii | $79,760 |
Idaho | $70,770 |
Illinois | $84,180 |
Indiana | $69,180 |
Iowa | $62,320 |
Kansas | $64,560 |
Kentucky | $64,780 |
Louisiana | $66,100 |
Maine | $76,840 |
Maryland | $103,790 |
Massachusetts | $84,790 |
Michigan | $75,110 |
Minnesota | $73,770 |
Mississippi | $80,690 |
Missouri | $67,290 |
Montana | $66,110 |
Nebraska | $74,790 |
Nevada | $73,490 |
New Hampshire | $78,780 |
New Jersey | $76,330 |
New Mexico | $73,610 |
New York | $89,000 |
North Carolina | $83,380 |
North Dakota | $70,590 |
Ohio | $67,780 |
Oklahoma | $64,200 |
Oregon | $69,930 |
Pennsylvania | $73,550 |
Rhode Island | $89,210 |
South Carolina | $78,370 |
South Dakota | $65,660 |
Tennessee | $67,690 |
Texas | $80,900 |
Utah | $74,290 |
Vermont | $78,070 |
Virginia | $93,750 |
Washington | $85,200 |
West Virginia | $70,060 |
Wisconsin | $73,520 |
Wyoming | $71,030 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Bioinformatics Scientists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Bioinformatics Scientists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Word processing software
- Data visualization software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- Ruby
- Extensible markup language XML
How to Become a Bioinformatics Scientist
Individuals working as a Bioinformatics Scientist have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Bioinformatics Scientists Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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