Bioinformatics Specialist

Transcription

1 Bioinformatics Specialist At a Glance Bioinformatics specialists use their knowledge of computers and math to collect, analyze, and store biological data. Search by Cluster Computers & Telecom Science & Engineering Typical Range: 35K - 100K Level of Education University Core Tasks Create and maintain databases to store biological data, such as DNA sequences Test and debug computer programs used to analyze data Help researchers use computer programs and other tools to analyze data Some help design and operate clinical trials to test new drugs or medical devices Attributes & Abilities Workplace Work well alone and as part of a team Communication skills Curious and analytical Problem-solving skills Patient and disciplined Employed by universities, drug companies, governments, and hospitals Usually work as part of a team of scientists Spend much of their time using computers in labs and offices May work from 9 to 12 hours a day depending on the workplace Overtime, evening, and weekend work may be required Job Description In the field of biotechnology living organisms and their products are used to create new processes or products, such as new medicines, food preservatives, or pesticides. During the process of studying organisms a vast amount of data is generated about cells, proteins, and various other characteristics. This data must be collected, studied, and made easily accessible to researchers and others. Enter bioinformatics specialists. Using their knowledge of computer science, math, and biology, they store, organize, and analyze biological data. The role of bioinformatics specialists is twofold. They develop and improve information technology tools that make use of new algorithms and analytical techniques. They also use these tools to create ways of understanding and documenting biological data. 1/5

2 Bioinformatics specialists can work in many different areas. Some are involved in DNA sequencing, which is the process of determining what the structure of a piece of DNA looks like. Sequencing helps researchers do many things, such as identify genes that contribute to diseases. Some bioinformatics specialists create and maintain databases and programs that are used to house and analyze DNA sequences. The work of other bioinformatics specialists revolves around proteomics, which is the study of proteins produced by an organism. Like the study of genes, the study of proteins can help researchers detect, prevent, and cure various diseases. Depending on their specific role, the day to day duties of a bioinformatics specialist may involve computer programming, including debugging programs. Other specialists spend their time helping researchers use computer programs and other tools to analyze scientific data, rather than developing these tools. Some people in this field specialize in statistical analysis. In addition to analyzing and presenting statistical data, their duties often include helping researchers design clinical trials. These specialists are known as biostatisticians. Working Conditions Bioinformatics specialists usually work as part of interdisciplinary teams made up of biotechnologists and other scientists, such as gene specialists and biologists. They often work for universities, pharmaceutical companies, governments, and hospitals. Wherever they work, bioinformatics specialists are likely to spend a great deal of time in front of computer screens working with leading-edge hardware and software. They normally work in well-lit and comfortable offices or laboratories. Their hours vary depending on where they work. Some bioinformatics specialists have a regular 9-to-5 schedule, while others work 12-hour days. Upcoming project deadlines can lead to longer hours. In addition, they may occasionally have to work evenings and weekends to solve unexpected problems. vary depending on education level, experience, and place of employment. Bioinformatics specialists employed in private industry tend to earn the highest salaries. Research assistants and data analysts who are just starting out in their careers may make between $35,000 and $45,000 a year, depending on their level of education. The earnings of those with only a bachelor s degree will be at the lower end of the scale. With experience, earnings can increase to $50,000 a year and upwards, especially for those with advanced degrees. Those with master s degrees or PhDs generally earn $60,000 to $100,000 or more a year. This includes those who are hired to teach and conduct research at universities. In addition to a salary, bioinformatics specialists who are employed on a full-time basis usually receive benefits such as dental coverage, extended health coverage, paid vacation and sick days, and contributions to retirement savings plans. Education The minimum requirement to work in this field is a bachelor s degree. However, to be eligible for higher paying jobs which carry more responsibility, you will need to obtain at least a master s degree. Beyond that, exact educational requirements vary depending on the employer and position. Bioinformatics specialists must be knowledgeable in at least two fields computer science and biology. In addition, a background in statistics is important for many positions. Some universities offer bachelor s degrees in bioinformatics, which can launch you directly into this field. 2/5

3 Students enrolled in bioinformatics programs generally take courses in computer science, biology, chemistry, math, and statistics. You can also prepare yourself for this career by obtaining a bachelor s degree in computer science, math, or a biological science. Whichever degree you choose, make sure that you take courses in the other fields relevant to bioinformatics. Once you have completed a bachelor s degree, you should apply to a master s program. Ultimately, you may want to consider obtaining a PhD since this is a competitive field and many positions require candidates to have a PhD in bioinformatics or a related subject. Depending on the position, you may be expected to have a strong background in a particular area. For example, in addition to the master s or PhD, some employers look for those with strong backgrounds in statistics. Others look for candidates who have strong backgrounds in computer programming. Related College & University Programs Bioinformatics Biostatistics Statistics and Molecular Biology Other Suggested Qualifications Bioinformatics specialists should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are important as well. People interested in this career should be inquisitive, analytical thinkers with good problem-solving skills. In addition, the nature of the work requires patience and self-discipline. Suggested High School Subjects Grade 9 Grade 10 Science Creative Arts Health & Physical Education French Computers Science Personal & Career Development Computers Grade 11 Grade 12 Probability & Statistics Biology Chemistry Information Technology Probability & Statistics Biology Chemistry Information Technology Important Check with your advisor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements. Courses available may vary from school to school. 3/5

4 Sample Career Path People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an example of how the earnings, education and experience requirements, and responsibilities might progress for someone in this occupation. Level 1 Entry-Level Bioinformatics Database Analyst $35,000 to $45,000 a year A bachelor s degree in bioinformatics or a related field Analyzing sequence data; interpreting data; preparing profiles to be incorporated into databases. Level 2 Intermediate Bioinformatics Specialist $50,000 to $80,000 a year At least a master s degree and likely a PhD in bioinformatics or a related field Developing methods for gene integration; testing and improving on methods and models used to analyze and sequence data. Level 3 Bioinformatics Specialist $80,000 to $115,000 a year A PhD in bioinformatics or a related field Developing and putting into place research projects; managing a team of other scientists. Related Careers Here are some other occupations that you might be interested in. Click on an occupation name to learn more. Biochemist Biologist Biotechnologist Computer Programmer Computer Scientist 4/5

5 Computer Software Engineer Database Developer Epidemiologist Geneticist Marine Biologist Mathematician Microbiologist Professor Statistician Career Clusters Career Clusters are groups or families of occupations that share common characteristics such as knowledge requirements, skill sets, and/or goals. Computers & Telecom Science & Engineering National Occupational Classification NOC Code: 2121 Other Resources Bioinformatics.Ca Visit this site for information about the bioinformatics industry in Canada. Have a look through their Resources section. ECO Canada Environmental Careers Organization of Canada This non-profit organization provides information about environmental careers. Scroll over Student Services and click on Occupational Profiles to discover environmental career options. Follow this link to see their biometrician profile: New York Genome Center What It Takes to Be a Bioinformatician (US) Learn more about the qualities you ll need to succeed as a bioinformatician. Biohealthmatics.Com Careers in Bioninformatics (US) Here you can find out more about career prospects and opportunities in bioinformatics. Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Bioinformatics (UK) This is the informatics division of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, a genome research institute. Browse the site to learn more about the type of work being done in bioinformatics. 5/5