Bioinformatics scientist

A Bioinformatics Scientist is a professional who uses computational techniques and biological data to analyze and interpret complex biological systems. They develop algorithms, software, and databases to manage, analyze, and visualize genetic, genomic, and proteomic data. Bioinformatics Scientists play a vital role in various fields, including genomics, medical research, biotechnology, and drug development, by turning large datasets into meaningful biological insights. Their work helps in advancing personalized medicine, understanding diseases, and improving agricultural practices through genetic analysis.

Here are some typical duties of bioinformatics scientists:

• Develop computational tools and algorithms to analyze biological data, such as DNA sequences, protein structures, and gene expression.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets generated from biological experiments, such as genome sequencing, to draw conclusions about gene function and disease mechanisms.
• Design and manage biological databases, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval of complex data.
• Collaborate with biologists, geneticists, and medical professionals to understand their data needs and provide bioinformatics support.
• Research and develop new computational methods for processing biological data, including machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
• Publish research findings and present them at conferences or in scientific journals.
• Use bioinformatics tools to assist in drug discovery, genetic testing, and personalized medicine.
• Contribute to advancements in areas like systems biology, molecular biology, and synthetic biology by integrating computational methods with experimental data.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in both biology and computational science to apply cutting-edge techniques to bioinformatics research.

The following job titles also refer to bioinformatics scientist:

bioinformatics analyst
research scientist
bioinformatician
computer analyst
biology researcher
senior bioinformatics scientist
data scientist
IT expert
junior bioinformatics scientist
environmental scientist
biotechnology scientist
computer scientist
bioinformatics researcher
IT researcher

Bioinformatics Scientists work primarily in laboratories, offices, or research institutions where they have access to powerful computers and specialized software for analyzing biological data. Most of their time is spent using computational tools, coding, and collaborating with other scientists in interdisciplinary teams. Depending on their focus, they may work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, universities, or government research organizations. The work environment is generally regular office hours, though deadlines for research projects may require occasional extra hours. Fieldwork is rare for bioinformatics scientists, as most of their work is conducted in silico (through computer-based models).

A bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, biology, computer science, or a related field is the starting point for a career as a Bioinformatics Scientist. Most positions require a master’s or PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, or molecular biology, especially for research roles. Strong programming skills, knowledge of biological databases, and proficiency in statistical analysis are essential. Experience in using bioinformatics software such as BLAST, R, Python, or MATLAB is also highly valued. Bioinformatics scientists must stay updated with the latest developments in computational methods and biological sciences through continuous education and professional development.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Bioinformatics scientist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to bioinformatics scientist.

biometrician
statistician
demographer
oceanographer
astronomer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of bioinformatics scientist.

• Computer programming: The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object-oriented programming, functional programming) and of programming languages.
• Web programming: The programming paradigm that is based on combining markup (which adds context and structure to text) and other web programming code, such as AJAX, javascript and PHP, in order to carry out appropriate actions and visualise the content.
• Statistics: The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
• Laboratory techniques: Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
• Computer engineering: Engineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and the integration of hardware and software.
• Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Computer equipment: The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Database management systems: The tools for creating, updating and managing databases, such as Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server.

These skills are necessary for the role of bioinformatics scientist.

• Gather data: Extract exportable data from multiple sources.
• Maintain database: Maintain a freelance database that offers extra support to your teams and is able to calculate negotiating costs.
• Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
• Interpret current data: Analyse data gathered from sources such as market data, scientific papers, customer requirements and questionnaires that are current and up-to-date in order to assess development and innovation in areas of expertise.
• Manage database: Apply database design schemes and models, define data dependencies, use query languages and database management systems (DBMS) to develop and manage databases.
• Perform data analysis: Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
• Analyse scientific data: Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.
• Apply statistical analysis techniques: Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
• Contact scientists: Listen, reply, and establish a fluid communication relationship with scientists in order to extrapolate their findings and information into a varied array of applications including business and industry.
• Use databases: Use software tools for managing and organising data in a structured environment which consists of attributes, tables and relationships in order to query and modify the stored data.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
• Conduct quantitative research: Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
• Present reports: Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.
• Assist scientific research: Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
• Collect biological data: Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of bioinformatics scientist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Biometrics: The science that statistically analyses human characteristics such as retina, voice or DNA for identification purposes.
• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Genetics: The study of heredity, genes and variations in living organisms. Genetic science seeks to understand the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring and the structure and behaviour of genes in living beings.
• Molecular biology: The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.
• Scientific modelling: Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.
• Data quality assessment: The process of revealing data issues using ​quality indicators, measures and metrics in order to plan data cleansing and data enrichment strategies according to data quality criteria.
• Genetic engineering: Manipulation of the genetic material of an organism using methods that insert new DNA into or remove heritable material from the genome.
• Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing a hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of bioinformatics scientist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
• Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
• Maintain laboratory equipment: Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
• Develop scientific theories: Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
• Gather experimental data: Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
• Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
• Develop scientific research protocols: Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
• Manage data collection systems: Develop and manage methods and strategies used to maximise data quality and statistical efficiency in the collection of data, in order to ensure the gathered data are optimised for further processing.
• Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
• Evaluate genetic data: Evaluate genetic data by applying statistical calculations and analysing the results.
• Plan research process: Outline the research methodologies and schedule in order to ensure that the research can be thoroughly and efficiently executed and that the objectives can be met in a timely manner.

2131 – Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals

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References

1. Bioinformatics scientist – ESCO
2. Bioinformatics scientist – O*Net Online
3. What does a bioinformatics scientist do? – CareerExplorer
4. Featured image: By Magnus Manske – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0