Bioinformatics Scientists
Bioinformatics Scientists is the O*NET name for people who 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. With a code of ICR, this is mostly a job for people drawn to research, analysis and working through hard problems. Conventional interests also help, rated 5.0 out of 7. The preparation level is extensive preparation, typically graduate school and often five years or more of related experience. O*NET’s skill data points to reading comprehension, writing, and speaking as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies. It tends to suit people who want research, analysis and working through hard problems, and it offers little for anyone seeking leading, persuading and making business decisions.
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
- You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and writing.
May not suit you if
- You lose interest when a job asks for long stretches of analysis.
- You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.3 out of 7 here.
- You want to be working in the field within the next few years.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ICR takes the three highest, and Investigative comes first here.
Preparation
Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Master's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Bioinformaticist
- Bioinformatics Programmer
- Bioinformatics Research Associate
- Computational Biology Scientist
- Research Associate
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.