What You Need to Know About Bioinformatics Scientist
Bioinformatics Scientist Example 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.
Life As a Bioinformatics Scientist
- Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
- Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
- Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
- Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
- Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
- Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
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Qualities of a Bioinformatics Scientist
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
- Postdoc
- Director of Bioinformatics and Trait Discovery
- Postdoctoral Scholar
- Senior Scientist
- Microarray Analyst
Job Opportunities 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. The BLS estimates 3,700 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
How Much Does a Bioinformatics Scientist Make?
The salary for Bioinformatics Scientists ranges between about $45,030 and $126,390 a year.

Bioinformatics Scientists who work in Maryland, Rhode Island, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
How much do Bioinformatics Scientists make 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 |
What Tools do Bioinformatics Scientists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Bioinformatics Scientists may use on a daily basis:
- 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 do I Become a Bioinformatics Scientist?
Are there Bioinformatics Scientists education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Bioinformatics Scientist?

Where Bioinformatics Scientists Are Employed

Bioinformatics Scientists work in the following industries:

References:
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