Life, Physical & Social Science
Bioinformatics Scientists
Also called: Bioinformaticist, Bioinformatics Programmer, Bioinformatics Research Associate, Computational Biology Scientist
US median pay
$98,920
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
4,300
59,600 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
- Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
- Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
- Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Systems Analysis3.4/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Systems Evaluation3.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Programming3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
Knowledge
- Biology4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.7/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Engineering and Technology4.3/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Chemistry3.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Master's degree42%
- Doctoral degree28%
- Post-doctoral training23%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.