Activities	Bioinformatics is the field of science in which biology, computer science, and information technology merge to form a single, integrated discipline. Bioinformatics utilizes techniques from applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science to analyze complex chemical and DNA data to solve biological problems at the molecular level. Bioinformaticians play an essential role in gathering and interpreting data from the genome sequencing of diverse organisms, including humans.
Outlook	Faster-than-average-job growth
Median Income	$77,000 per year (2004)
Work Context & Conditions	Bioinformaticians typically work a 40-hour week in a laboratory setting. Those with advanced degrees often teach at the university level, either full- or part-time.
Minimum Education Requirements	Bachelor's Degree
Skills	Programming, Critical Thinking, Writing, Mathematics, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Solution Appraisal, Problem Identification
Abilities	Deductive Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Written Expression

Job Category		Healthcare Practitioners & Technical
Job Description		Bioformatics is the field of science in which biology, computer science, and information technology merge to form a single discipline. The ultimate goal of the field is to develop new biological insights with the help of computers and mathematical analysis of data. Bioinformaticians have created and maintained databases to store biological information, such as nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Areas of inquiry include gene mapping, gene finding, gene assembly, protein prediction, and protein modeling. Tasks include: Analyze large molecular datasets such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, and proteomics data for clinical or basic research purposes. Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies. Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases. Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports. Compile data for use in activities such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, and structural bioinformatics. Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals. Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools. Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms. Develop data models and databases. Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
Working Conditions		Most bioinformaticians work in an office or laboratory and maintain normal business hours. Many bioinformaticians with advanced degrees teach at the university level, full- or part-time.
Salary Range		Individuals holding a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics average $81,000, with those working in academic settings earning somewhat less. Bioinformatics is among the top three paying areas of the life sciences, according to a 2001 survey by the trade journal The Scientist and Abbott, Langer & Associates (www.abbott-langer.com). It shows median salaries plus cash compensation for jobs that range from $75,000 to $77,000. For bioinformatics professionals who also hold medical degrees, median pay rises to $95,000, according to the survey of 23,933 subscribers to the journal and 29,172 registrants at the publication's web site. The survey produced 7,902 usable responses. Median Wages (2009), $66, 510 annual, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009 wage data.

Education Required		Most biological scientists need a Ph.D. in biology or one of its subfields to work in independent research or development positions. Other positions are available to those with a master’s or bachelor’s degree in the field. Education and training. A Ph.D. is usually necessary for independent research, particularly in academia, as well as for advancement to administrative positions. A bachelor’s or master's degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research, product development, management, or inspection; it also may be sufficient to work as a research technician or a teacher. Many with a bachelor's degree in biology enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other health profession schools, or find jobs as high school science teachers. In addition to required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate biological science majors usually study allied disciplines such as mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. Computer courses are beneficial for modeling and simulating biological processes, operating some laboratory equipment, and performing research in the emerging field of bioinformatics. Those interested in studying the environment also should take courses in environmental studies and become familiar with applicable legislation and regulations. Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biological science, and many offer advanced degrees. Advanced degree programs often emphasize a subfield, such as microbiology or botany, but not all universities offer curricula in all subfields. Larger universities frequently have separate departments specializing in different areas of biological science. For example, a program in botany might cover agronomy, horticulture, or plant pathology. Advanced degree programs typically include classroom and fieldwork, laboratory research, and a thesis or dissertation. A master’s degree generally takes 2 years, and a doctoral degree 5-6 years of full-time study. Biological scientists with a Ph.D. often take temporary postdoctoral positions that provide specialized research experience. Postdoctoral positions may offer the opportunity to publish research findings. A solid record of published research is essential in obtaining a permanent position performing basic research, especially for those seeking a permanent college or university faculty position. Other qualifications. Biological scientists should be able to work independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Those in private industry, especially those who aspire to management or administrative positions, should possess strong business and communication skills and be familiar with regulatory issues and marketing and management techniques. Those doing field research in remote areas must have physical stamina. Biological scientists also must have patience and self-discipline to conduct long and detailed research projects. Advancement. As they gain experience, biological scientists typically gain greater control over their research and may advance to become lead researchers directing a team of scientists and technicians. Some work as consultants to businesses or to government agencies. However, those dependent on research grants are still constrained by funding agencies, and may spend much of their time writing grant proposals. Others choose to move into managerial positions and become natural science managers (see engineering and natural sciences managers elsewhere in the Handbook). They may plan and administer programs for testing foods and drugs, for example, or direct activities at zoos or botanical gardens. Those who pursue management careers spend much of their time preparing budgets and schedules. Some leave biology for nontechnical managerial, administrative, or sales jobs. The following states have universities that offer comprehensive programs in bioinformatics: California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. College students wishing to pursue a career in bioinformatics have several options. Many universities offer bioinformatics degrees – undergraduate, graduate, or both. Students attending schools without such programs can elect to major in biology or computer science, and minor in the other discipline. Another option is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in one area and, while in graduate school, take a number of cross-disciplinary classes. Regardless of the option on may choose, high school and college students should take as many biology and computer science classes as possible. Of the former, courses in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and evolutionary biology are especially important. Of the latter, a student should seek classes on UNIX, and on programming languages such as Perl, MTMNL, C, and C++. Also important are classes on logic, set theory, and statistics.
Recommended High School Courses		Computers and Electronics, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry
Postsecondary Instructional Programs		Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Computers and Electronics
Certification and Licensing

Interest Area		Conventional Involves following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. There's usually a clear line of authority to follow. Investigative Involves working with ideas and requires an extensive amount of thinking. Realistic Involves working on practical, hands-on problems and solutions, often with real-world materials, tools, and machinery.
Work Values		Achievement Get a feeling of accomplishment. Independence Work alone. Recognition Receive recognition for the work you do.
Skills		Programming Write computer programs for various purposes. Critical Thinking Use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Writing Communicate effectively with others in writing as indicated by the needs of the audience. Mathematics Use math to solve problems. Active Learning Work with new material or information to grasp its implications. Complex Problem Solving Solving novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings. Solution Appraisal Observe and evaluate the outcomes of a problem solution to identify lessons learned or redirect efforts. Problem Identification Identify the nature of problems.
Abilities		Deductive Reasoning Able to apply general rules to specific problems to come up with logical answers, including deciding whether an answer makes sense. Mathematical Reasoning Able to understand and organize mathematical problems and to know which mathematical methods or formulas to use to solve them. Inductive Reasoning Able to combine separate pieces of information, or specific answers to problems, to form general rules or conclusions. This includes coming up with a logical explanation for why seemingly unrelated events occur together. Written Expression Able to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Related Jobs		Epidemiologist, Scientist, Medical, Physician, Surgeon, Physician, Primary Care
Job Outlook		Employment of biological scientists is expected to increase much "faster than the average" for all occupations although there will continue to be competition for some basic research positions. Employment of biological scientists is projected to grow 21 percent over the 2008—18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth. Biological scientists enjoyed very rapid employment gains over the past few decades—reflecting, in part, the growth of the biotechnology industry. Employment growth will moderate somewhat as the biotechnology industry matures, with fewer new firms being founded and existing firms merging or being absorbed by larger biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms. However, much of the basic biological research done in recent years has resulted in new knowledge, including the isolation and identification of genes. Biological scientists will be needed to take this knowledge to the next stage, understanding how certain genes function within an entire organism, so that medical treatments can be developed to treat various diseases. Even pharmaceutical and other firms not solely engaged in biotechnology use biotechnology techniques extensively, spurring employment for biological scientists. For example, biological scientists are continuing to help farmers increase crop yields by pinpointing genes that can help crops, such as wheat, grow in more extreme climate conditions. In addition, efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean up and preserve the environment will continue to add to job growth. More biological scientists will be needed to determine the environmental impact of industry and government actions and to prevent or correct environmental problems, such as the negative effects of pesticide use. Some biological scientists will find opportunities in environmental regulatory agencies, while others will use their expertise to advise lawmakers on legislation to save environmentally sensitive areas. New industrial applications of biotechnology, such as new methods for producing biofuels, also will spur demand for biological scientists. The Federal Government is a major source of funding for basic research and development, including many areas of medical research that relate to biological science. Large budget increases at the National Institutes of Health in the early part of the decade led to increases in Federal basic research and development expenditures, with research grants growing both in number and dollar amount. However, the increase in expenditures slowed substantially in recent years. Going forward, the level of Federal funding will continue to impact competition for winning and renewing research grants. There will continue to be demand for biological scientists specializing in botany, zoology, and marine biology, but opportunities will be limited because of the small size of these fields. Marine biology, despite its attractiveness as a career, is a very small specialty within biological science. Bioinformatics represents a cutting-edge discipline that “translates” biological data into a more accessible format. Bioinformatics is one of the most exciting and challenging new careers in the health field today. The work of Bioinformaticians impacts the health discoveries through gene sequencing projects, including the Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics is an ever-expanding field. Bioinformatics represents the technological future of the biotech industry. Using sophisticated computer equipment to gather and analyze biological data, bioinformatics holds the promise of significant advances in health care. This sector will grow exponentially over the next decade as advances unlock the secrets of genetic structure.
More Information
References		Bioinformatics Scientists at O*NET Online, http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.01 Biological Scientists, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm Career Voyages http://www.careervoyages.gov American Association for the Advancement of Science http://www.aaas.org/ Bioinformatics.org http://bioinformatics.org/ National Center for Biotechnology information http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/