Bioinformatics Scientists
19-1029.01
Updated 2024

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 Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
83
 
Core
Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
82
 
Core
Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
81
 
Core
Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
81
 
Core
Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
74
 
Core
Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
73
 
Core
Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
71
 
Core
Develop data models and databases.
69
 
Core
Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
68
 
Core
Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
68
 
Core
Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
63
 
Core
Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
61
 
Core
Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
60
 
Core
Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
60
 
Supplemental
Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
50
 
Supplemental
Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
50
 
Supplemental
Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • Bachelor’s degree required for some jobs
  • Post-doctoral training required for some jobs
  • Master’s degree required for some jobs

Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
100
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
67
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Employment data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Industry data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Median wages (2023)
$43.80 hourly, $91,100 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
60,400 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
4,700
State trends
Top industries (2022)
Government (38% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings