Bioinformatics scientist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
- Usually work in laboratories and research institutes and may travel
- Need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Research biological information
- Research genetics
- Analyse biological samples
- Develop technical and scientific databases
- Create computer programs for research
- Help scientists use computer tools
- Solve design and development problems
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Supervise scientists and lab staff
- Help people make project decisions
Outlook
Bioinformatics is growing as genomics, health research, agriculture, conservation and biotechnology produce larger and more complex datasets. In New Zealand, investment in genomics and bioinformatics infrastructure is helping researchers work on areas such as human health, primary industries and biodiversity. Internationally, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and personalised medicine are increasing the need to turn biological data into useful insights.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong skills in biology, genetics and data analysis
- Confidence with programming languages (eg: Python or R)
- Ability to work with large datasets and spot meaningful patterns
- Understanding of statistics, algorithms and databases
- Clear communication with scientists, clinicians and technical teams
- Careful, ethical handling of sensitive biological and health data
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.