Bioinformatics Scientists
19-1029.01
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.
Sample of reported job titles: Bioinformaticist, Bioinformatics Scientist, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Scientific Database Curator, Scientist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
- Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
- Develop data models and databases.
- Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
- Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
- Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
- Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
- Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
- Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
- Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
- Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.
- Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
- Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
- Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software -
Accelrys Pipeline Pilot; Bioconductor; Biomatters Geneious; BioPerl; BLAT; Bowtie; BWA; Canu; ClustalW; Cufflinks; Cytel StatXact; Data visualization software; dbSNP; DNA sequencing software; ENSEMBL; GenBank; Genedata Expressionist; GenePattern; Genome Analysis Toolkit GATK; IBM SPSS Statistics π₯; Illumina Laboratory Information Management System LIMS; Life Technologies SOLiD; Life Technologies Vector NTI; NCBI RefSeq; Primer3; Public genomic databases; RNA sequencing software; Roche 454 Life Sciences GS Data Analysis; SAS π₯; StataCorp Stata; The MathWorks MATLAB
; Tibco S-PLUS; TopHat; Velvet
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Application server software -
Docker π₯; GitHub
- Business intelligence and data analysis software - Tableau π₯; TIBCO Spotfire S+
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint π₯
- Customer relationship management CRM software - Salesforce software π₯
- Data base management system software - Apache Hadoop π₯; Microsoft SQL Server π₯; MySQL π₯; NoSQL π₯; Oracle PL/SQL π₯; Relational database management software
-
Data base user interface and query software -
Amazon Web Services AWS software ; Apache Accumulo; Microsoft Access π₯; Oracle Database π₯; Structured query language SQL ; Teradata software
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Development environment software -
C ; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Microsoft Azure software π₯; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA π₯; Microsoft Visual Studio π₯; Ruby π₯; Software development tools
- Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML π₯
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software π₯
- File versioning software - Git π₯
- Internet browser software - Web browser software
-
Object or component oriented development software -
Apache Groovy; C# π₯; C++ ; jQuery π₯; Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS π₯; Object oriented development environment software; Oracle Java ; Perl ; Python ; R ; Scala π₯
- Object oriented data base management software - PostgreSQL π₯
- Office suite software - Microsoft Office software π₯
-
Operating system software -
Bash ; Linux ; Microsoft operating system; Shell script π₯; UNIX
- Portal server software - Apache HTTP Server
- Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint π₯
- Program testing software - User interface design software
- Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel π₯
- Web platform development software - Django π₯; Hypertext markup language HTML π₯; JavaScript π₯; JavaScript Object Notation JSON π₯; Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP π₯; Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP π₯; PHP π₯
- Word processing software - Word processing software
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
- Analyze biological samples.
- Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
- Develop technical or scientific databases.
- Research genetic characteristics or expression.
- Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
- Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
- Advise others on business or operational matters.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.