Post job

What does a bioinformatics engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

Bioinformatics engineers are professionals who use bioinformatics methodology and hypothesis to analyze biological data such as gene sequence and protein absorption. These engineers are required to distribute, formulate, and engineer the open-source application solutions so that they can facilitate the analysis and unified stem cell information management systems. They must ensure that information entered is accurate and correct while sustaining infrastructure for the maintenance of the sequencing information and other related data. Bioinformatics engineers must also apply an algorithm to recover and execute the exchange of vital information.

On this page

Bioinformatics engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real bioinformatics engineer resumes:

  • Develop and deploy of large legacy Postgresql-backed web app build with CodeIgniter PHP that manages Solazyme's internal business data.
  • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
  • Assist in updating an in-house LIMS system for effective DNA sample tracking.
  • Develop front-end UX/UI and data visualization for a web base microarray data analysis application using D3.js and AngularJS.
  • Incorporate functionalities of tools like GATK in various scripts.
  • Design & development of automate pipeline for assembly and annotation of RNA sequencing data.
  • Require interaction with API's for control modules of camera, laser, imaging filters and micro-controller.
  • Maintain application versions utilizing SVN.
  • Automate investigator publication statistics generation with PHP pipeline to query multiple databases.
  • Expedite and simplify the quotation process for solar water heating systems by accurately representing solar water heating system performance through MATLAB models
  • Implement biological interpretation of largescale data using gene ontology, gene set, and pathway and network enrichment analytical frameworks.

Bioinformatics engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 32% of Bioinformatics Engineers are proficient in Python, Next-Generation Sequencing, and NGS. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Bioinformatics Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 32%

    Authored hundreds of python utilities to integrate various tasks and software packages into a highly automated asset management pipeline.

  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 13%

    Optimized a probabilistic algorithm for aligning next-generation sequencing data.

  • NGS, 10%

    Manage multiple NGS pipelines and use Illumina BaseSpace REST API to launch BWA alignment on demand.

  • AWS, 10%

    Developed holistic understanding of application architectures in AWS and devised ideal principles for security and high availability.

  • Java, 6%

    Converted legacy OJB library to Hibernate Created downloadable documents using charts using JFreeChart and Java Excel APIs.

  • DNA, 4%

    Provided technical support and designed strategies for customers performing DNA, RNA, and protein sequence analysis.

"python," "next-generation sequencing," and "ngs" are among the most common skills that bioinformatics engineers use at work. You can find even more bioinformatics engineer responsibilities below, including:

Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a bioinformatics engineer to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Additionally, a bioinformatics engineer resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "developed detailed sql test scripts to verify data integrity. "

Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform bioinformatics engineer duties is analytical skills. Bioinformatics engineers responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Bioinformatics engineers also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "utilized dbartisan, dbvisualizer to design and implement database for different projects learning to connect and utilize mongodb database with java applications"

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for bioinformatics engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how bioinformatics engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a bioinformatics engineer: "conducted background research and developed computational solutions to assist researchers with completing their projects and publishing their results. ".

Creativity. A big part of what bioinformatics engineers do relies on "creativity." You can see how essential it is to bioinformatics engineer responsibilities because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical bioinformatics engineer tasks: "worked in auto cad and autodesk inventor. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in bioinformatics engineer job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what bioinformatics engineers do. Bioinformatics engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." You can also see how bioinformatics engineer duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "developed product, managed cad system operations and resources, and evaluated and justified communications network expansions"

See the full list of bioinformatics engineer skills

Choose from 10+ customizable bioinformatics engineer resume templates

Build a professional bioinformatics engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your bioinformatics engineer resume.
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume
Bioinformatics Engineer Resume

Compare different bioinformatics engineers

Bioinformatics engineer vs. Sql server developer

A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization. They conduct troubleshooting in databases which involve data validation and extensive testing to ensure that the end user's specifications are met. They are also involved in the maintenance of the organization's server.

We looked at the average bioinformatics engineer salary and compared it with the wages of an sql server developer. Generally speaking, sql server developers are paid $14,396 lower than bioinformatics engineers per year.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a bioinformatics engineer are more likely to require skills like "python," "next-generation sequencing," "ngs," and "aws." On the other hand, a job as an sql server developer requires skills like "database objects," "sql server analysis," "ssrs," and "ssis packages." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Sql server developers really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $95,274. Comparatively, bioinformatics engineers tend to make the most money in the start-up industry with an average salary of $109,348.sql server developers tend to reach similar levels of education than bioinformatics engineers. In fact, sql server developers are 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 20.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Bioinformatics engineer vs. Developer/consultant

A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.

On average, developer/consultants earn a $6,067 lower salary than bioinformatics engineers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Bioinformatics engineers and developer/consultants both require similar skills like "python," "java," and "visualization" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real bioinformatics engineer resumes. While bioinformatics engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "next-generation sequencing," "ngs," "aws," and "dna," developer/consultants use skills like "project management," "javascript," "hr," and "microservices."

Developer/consultants may earn a lower salary than bioinformatics engineers, but developer/consultants earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $101,340. On the other hand, bioinformatics engineers receive higher pay in the start-up industry, where they earn an average salary of $109,348.In general, developer/consultants achieve lower levels of education than bioinformatics engineers. They're 5.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 20.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Bioinformatics engineer vs. Lead developer

A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.

On average, lead developers earn higher salaries than bioinformatics engineers, with a $11,765 difference per year.bioinformatics engineers and lead developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "c++," and "linux," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from bioinformatics engineer resumes include skills like "python," "next-generation sequencing," "ngs," and "aws," whereas a lead developer is more likely to list skills in "javascript," "architecture," "web application," and "git. "

Lead developers make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $119,501. On the other hand, bioinformatics engineers are paid the highest salary in the start-up industry, with average annual pay of $109,348.When it comes to education, lead developers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to bioinformatics engineers. In fact, they're 5.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 19.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Bioinformatics engineer vs. Etl developer

An ETL developer is responsible for managing data storage systems to secure the organization's data and files for daily operations efficiency. ETL developers perform multiple system testing to ensure the system's accuracy, perform coding adjustments, and troubleshoot for any defects and inconsistencies. They work closely with other development teams to design storage functions to optimize solutions. An ETL developer must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of programming languages to develop an accurate and operational database.

Etl developers average a lower salary than the annual salary of bioinformatics engineers. The difference is about $12,156 per year.While both bioinformatics engineers and etl developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, linux, and profiling, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A bioinformatics engineer uses "python," "next-generation sequencing," "ngs," and "aws." Etl developers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "sql server," "data warehouse," "unix," and "data analysis. "In general, etl developers earn the most working in the health care industry, with an average salary of $102,797. The highest-paying industry for a bioinformatics engineer is the start-up industry.The average resume of etl developers showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to bioinformatics engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 5.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 20.2%.

Types of bioinformatics engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs