Students who have expressed an interest in both computer science and biology have several careers open to them. Technology and scientific research create numerous job opportunities, but not many professions manage to combine the best and most interesting features of both of these disciplines. Among the few that do, bioinformatics has begun to boldly stand out. It is a scientific field on the cutting edge that is most frequently categorized as an offshoot career path from the more general field of biotechnology. Specifically, bioinformatics makes comprehensive use of information technology and know-how to collaborate with, and accentuate the quality of the data derived from biological data; DNA and human genetics are examples of things you will study in this field.

As might be expected, it takes a great deal of education in order to participate in this exciting field; a bachelor's degree is generally insufficient for potential candidates. Most professionals who can claim a career in bioinformatics boast a master's degree, if not a PhD, in the discipline. What is more, few schools in the United States are currently equipped to prepare students for the bioinformatics field. Due to such exhaustive education and specialization required, those in bioinformatics are rewarded with exceptionally favorable pay. Some of their career titles include biostatistician, molecular modeler, and scientific curator. As science continues to advance and become even more central to society, bioinformatics will continue to grow in terms of job availability. However, the field remains competitive, due in part to the sophisticated educational process involved with becoming marketable to potential employers.

Career Specializations

Bioinformatics is such a new field that well-pronounced specializations have not yet emerged. However, the services offered by those who study and practice bioinformatics have been thoroughly taken advantage of in such fields as these:

• Microbiology: These scientists work on getting to know organisms such as bacteria and viruses on a molecular level. They focus on researching the interaction between these compounds and disease.
• Molecular Modeler: Such bioinformatics specialists work on drug design, creating computer-based simulations of molecular behavior in an attempt to estimate their interactions with other compounds.
• Bioinformatics Software Developer: These professionals devise software and technology necessary to assess and categorize the data central to scientific knowledge.
• Scientific Curator: Those in this post specialize in the management of samples needed for scientific and technological research.
• Biostatistician: These people are statistics professionals who also carry an impressive amount of biological knowledge.

Back to Top

Degree Levels

• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2-4 years to complete
• PhD Degree: 5 years to complete

Back to Top

Education & Certification Requirements

Most people who are considering entering the bioinformatics career field typically begin their specialization process after having attained a four year bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Majors that would excellently support an interest in bioinformatics include biology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, pre-med, computer science, information technology, and mathematics. They can also have pursued, naturally, a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics. Finding a program that offers bioinformatics as a major, however, is not always easy; there are relatively few schools in the United States that offer the major.

Because of the sheer level of competition and sophistication found in the bioinformatics community, most students will opt to continue their education to the master's or PhD level. Should they choose not to go for these higher degrees, bioinformatics hopefuls may decide to enter the workforce at an entry-level position, such as a technician who works under the tutelage and employment of an engineer, scientist, or higher-level technician with great experience. These hopefuls will also continue to accumulate on-the-job training and experience so that their skill set remains current with the fast-moving progression of bioinformatics.

The Doctorate of Philosophy, or the PhD, is the most illustrious and powerful of degrees in the bioinformatics community. Earning this research-based degree is quite difficult and can take upwards of five years, each one filled to the brim with arduous study and examinations. Upon graduation, these candidates are referred to as postdoctoral fellows, or postdocs. Though highly respected, postdocs unfortunately must often begin their careers in low-paying research positions. They will frequently choose to specialize in one branch of bioinformatics; once they do so, their career's duties and pay begin to escalate consistently. (BLS)

Back to Top

Salary Information

Salaries in bioinformatics depend less on the degree earned than on specialization (as most professionals have already attained a high level of education). Those who have newly begun to concentrate in microbiology or as a scientific curator can anticipate a salary of at least $40,000 per year. Bioinformatics software developers and molecular modelers earn around $60,000 per annum. Biostatisticians, at their outset, command annual salaries of at least $70,000. Experience is the primary factor in terms of pay raises and upgrades. With time, any of these positions may very well attain upwards of $110,000 per year as a salary. (BLS)

Back to Top

Job Outlook

The occupational front for bioinformatics process remains mildly optimistic. In the research and development sector, jobs for the industry may grow by a rate of 25 percent by 2018. This growth is likely due to the increased presence of computer and information technology in the pharmaceutical and research community. Bioinformatics specialists come equipped with the unique training needed to stand on the cusp of this augmentation in employment. However, this positivity is qualified by the competitive nature of the workforce. Most positions go to candidates with the highest degrees, namely the PhD. Those who are serious about entering this profession are highly advised to study for as great a time as is possible. (BLS)

Back to Top

Related Careers

Computer scientists, software engineers, and systems analysts also demonstrate a prowess in information technology, though without the biological component. Engineering scientists are similar to bioinformatics professionals in that they use technology to create and simulate solutions to problems and challenges in the real world using the best of technology.

Futhermore, bioethics is another field that has great overlap with bioinformatics. Integrating technology in the medical field is still new and exciting, and keeping in mind ethical implications is very important.

Back to Top