Life As a Bioinformatics Scientist
Occupation 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.
List of Bioinformatics Scientist Job Duties
- Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
- Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
- Develop data models and databases.
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
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What Every Bioinformatics Scientist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Bioinformatics Scientists say are important on the job.
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.
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
- Microarray Analyst
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Senior Scientist
- Director of Bioinformatics and Trait Discovery
- Assistant Scientist
Job Outlook for Bioinformatics Scientists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 38,700 jobs in the United States for Bioinformatics Scientist. 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.
Bioinformatics Scientist Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Bioinformatics Scientists is somewhere between $45,030 and $126,390.
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?
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
What kind of Bioinformatics Scientist requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Bioinformatics Scientist?
Where do Bioinformatics Scientists Work?
Below are examples of industries where Bioinformatics Scientists work:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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