Bioinformatics Scientist Job Description
Bioinformatics Scientist Job Profile and Description
The Bioinformatics Scientist employed in pharmaceutical companies conduct research work using bioinformatics theory and procedures in medical technology, biotechnology, proteomics, computational biology, biology and medical informatics. They are sometimes tasked to design database systems and develop computer software algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic, pharmacological and other biological information.
Bioinformatics Scientist Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct research to study huge molecular datasets including micro-array data, proteomics data, and genomic sequence data for clinical research purposes.
- Collaborate with laboratory and clinical researchers to analyze problems, suggest technological solutions, or formulate computational strategies.
- Access and use publicly accessible proprietary or commercial genomic, post-genomic or proteomic databases.
- Communicate, publish or present research results through seminars, lectures and conference presentations, scientific journals, or project reports.
- Create and develop new computational research approaches and analytical tools to achieve research objectives.
- Design, develop and apply bioinformatics algorithms for dynamic programming, graphics as well as supervised and unsupervised machine learning.
- Develop research data models and suitable databases.
- Develop new software applications or enhance current applications to address specific research project needs.
Bioinformatics Scientist Skills and Specifications
- Must have an analytical and computational skills
- Must have a good foundation in statistical laboratory testing methodologies
- Must be willing to work long hours even under extreme work pressures
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must be able to organize, analyze and interpret data into significant information bits
Bioinformatics Scientist Education and Qualifications
- A college degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Chemical or Biological sciences is basic to the position
- A master’s degree in any of these fields is an advantage
- 3-5 years of experience in laboratory or research work in a university or hospital is an advantage
Bioinformatics Scientist Salary
The median salaries for the Bioinformatics Scientist in 2009 stood at $31.98 hourly or $66,510 annually. A range of salaries from highest to lowest exists depending on the state and business size.