Bioinformatics Scientists

technology computer biology software investigative application database proteomics comprehension function

Bioinformaticist, Computational Biology Scientist, Research Associate, Research Scientist

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
  • Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
  • Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.

Knowledge

Math and Science

  • biology
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Innovation
  • Adaptability
  • Achievement Orientation
  • Intellectual Curiosity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology In Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Object or component oriented development software

  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS Hot Technology
  • Scala Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 4)
master's degree or
doctoral degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about Bioinformatics Scientists.