What Do Bioinformatics Scientist Do?
Job Description & Duties 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
- Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
- Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Bioinformatics Scientist?
Below is a list of the skills most Bioinformatics Scientists say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Bioinformatics Scientist
- Bioinformatician
- Microarray Specialist
- Principal Bioinformatics Specialist
- Postdoc
- Scientific Informatics Project Leader
Job Demand 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,700 job openings in this field each 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.
Salary for a Bioinformatics Scientist
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.
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 to Become a Bioinformatics Scientist
What education or degrees do I need to become a Bioinformatics Scientist?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Bioinformatics Scientist?

Where Bioinformatics Scientists Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Bioinformatics Scientists employed by various industries.

References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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