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Bioinformatics Scientist

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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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Bioinformatics Scientist?

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Where Bioinformatics Scientists Work

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

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References:

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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