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Bioinformatician |
Career OverviewThe combination of the fields of science, technology and information sciences is the role of the bioinformatician. The life sciences of biology and medicine are interpreted using both mathematics and statistics to create useful and practical computer generated data to show progress in experiments or to show other phases of information.
The bioinformatician needs to be very precise and data oriented in their thinking. They will also require excellent problem solving strategies as well as the ability to create new forms of data analysis, collection and storage to demonstrate the various aspects of any given research project. The bioinformatician may also work to develop new computer programs that can accurately provide models of how the various new medicines and treatments will work on humans at the genetic and molecular level.
In addition the bioinformatician is often the research team leader and may be required to work closely with outside funding sources, communicate progress to a diverse group of stakeholders and other management individuals, as well as assist in grant writing or overall management of the project or lab facilities. The bioinformatician is often the individual that is personally accountable for the progress made in the experiment or project, so she or he will require excellent time management skills, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task.
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Career RequirementsA bioinformatician will require a Masters or Doctoral level of education in one of the life sciences that may include biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry plus a strong background in computer science. In addition many research universities around the world are now offering specialized Masters and PhD level training in the field of bioinformatics, which effectively combines both the science requirements and the computer skills needed.
A bioinformatician should also have advanced level classes in statistics and mathematics as well as theoretical development and genetic research experience.
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Job OutlookThere are a huge number of positions open for bioinformaticians and there is no decrease in the demand for these highly skilled individuals. The biotechnology industry as a whole is expected to continue on an upward trend for employment opportunities until at least 2014 according to the US Department of Labor.
The San Diego Supercomputer Center estimates that there will be “a 100 percent increase per year in the field for the next five years at least”. Since the trend to higher levels of pre-testing and data analysis prior to production continues to increase the demand for bioinformaticians is much bigger than the industry average employment rate.
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Career TrackThe bioinformatician is already considered to be an independent researcher with the various facilities. This role carries supervisory responsibilities but the opportunities for bioinformaticians to move into upper management are great. In addition the nature of the work allows for contract work or even consulting to other facilities. Many bioinformaticians work through their own businesses to provide bioinformatic services to companies on an individual contract basis.
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CompensationA bioinformatician can expect to earn an average of $120,000 within his or her first three to five years of employment. Those bioinformaticians with more experience often earn yearly salaries of more than $155,000 plus additional bonuses of up to eight percent of the yearly base pay.
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