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What does a bioinformatics software engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read

A bioinformatics software engineer specializes in designing and developing software that facilitates procedures leading to breakthroughs in science. Their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, writing codes, developing prototypes and test structures, identifying and eliminating bugs, troubleshooting problems, performing upgrades, and maintaining records of all procedures. They also establish guidelines and protocols, guiding staff as necessary. Moreover, as a bioinformatics software engineer, it is essential to oversee staff progress while implementing policies and standards for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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Bioinformatics software engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real bioinformatics software engineer resumes:

  • Manage the documentation website for Alchemy.js and convert it to AngularJS making it dynamic and allowing for quick changes to documentation.
  • Support developers and testers on code debugging and business process troubleshooting.
  • Perform all aspects of system management including system performance tuning, configuration design, troubleshooting and debugging of software programs.
  • Participate in the design and development of a prototype relational database system; are responsible for SQL processor/optimizer and query parsing.
  • Program interactive games locate at Artizt.com.
  • Implement sample programs for using soa services for classification module.
  • Web layer in imr application is deployed on tomcat and app layer is deployed on Glassfish sever.
  • Develop the vod streaming player by using RTP/RTSP, HTTP downloader by using TCP/IP.
  • Work on Bluetooth stack porting/debugging/SIG certification.

Bioinformatics software engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 20% of Bioinformatics Software Engineers are proficient in Python, Java, and Next-Generation Sequencing. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

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

  • Python, 20%

    Developed and maintained biological sequence processing applications in C, Perl, Python, Spark.

  • Java, 14%

    Developed Java Script utility objects for common client side validations, history handling, window management and menus management.

  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 13%

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

  • Visualization, 12%

    Implemented genomic alignment visualization tools in Python-Qt and R. * Designed MySQL databases for genomic annotations.

  • AWS, 6%

    Used The AWS Services Lambda, SNS and SQS..

  • JavaScript, 5%

    Designed client website for GeneAcumen using Labkey APIs, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and EXT JS.

Most bioinformatics software engineers use their skills in "python," "java," and "next-generation sequencing" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential bioinformatics software engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a bioinformatics software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a bioinformatics software engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "created mongodb-backed pipeline to automate genomic data analysis (rna-seq and chip-seq) and visualization. "

Communication skills. Many bioinformatics software engineer duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a bioinformatics software engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways bioinformatics software engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed communication protocol for database object replication. "

Creativity. This is an important skill for bioinformatics software engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how bioinformatics software engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a bioinformatics software engineer: "web based inventory tracking system in asp. ".

Detail oriented. A big part of what bioinformatics software engineers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to bioinformatics software engineer responsibilities 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." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical bioinformatics software engineer tasks: "re-factored several legacy software applications and developed object oriented middleware applications and web services using c# and microsoft .net framework. "

Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a bioinformatics software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what bioinformatics software engineers relies on this skill, since "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." How this skill relates to bioinformatics software engineer duties can be seen in an example from a bioinformatics software engineer resume snippet: "implemented java web-based solution to increase the availability of servers during hardware faults. "

Most common bioinformatics software engineer skills

Compare different bioinformatics software engineers

Bioinformatics software engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

If we compare the average bioinformatics software engineer annual salary with that of an engineer, we find that engineers typically earn a $7,234 lower salary than bioinformatics software engineers make annually.Even though bioinformatics software engineers and engineers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require python, java, and visualization in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a bioinformatics software engineer are more likely to require skills like "next-generation sequencing," "rna," "spark," and "regression." On the other hand, a job as an engineer requires skills like "cloud," "troubleshoot," "azure," and "git." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $97,672. On the other hand, bioinformatics software engineers are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $101,142.On average, engineers reach lower levels of education than bioinformatics software engineers. Engineers are 15.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Bioinformatics software engineer vs. Software architect

A Software Architect develops new programs for a variety of technological devices for businesses, computer games, mobile networks, and/or operating systems. They ensure architectural integrity and consistency across the entire product and work closely with executives to explain the benefits of the software.

A career as a software architect brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a bioinformatics software engineer. In fact, software architects salary is $15,095 higher than the salary of bioinformatics software engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both bioinformatics software engineers and software architects have skills such as "python," "java," and "visualization. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real bioinformatics software engineer resumes. While bioinformatics software engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "next-generation sequencing," "data analysis," "c #," and "rna," software architects use skills like "architecture," "cloud," "software development," and "database."

Software architects earn a higher average salary than bioinformatics software engineers. But software architects earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $119,142. Additionally, bioinformatics software engineers earn the highest salaries in the professional with average pay of $101,142 annually.software architects earn similar levels of education than bioinformatics software engineers in general. They're 2.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Bioinformatics software engineer vs. Devops engineer

DevOps engineers are practitioners of DevOps, a software development strategy that aims to bridge the gap between computer software development and information technology (IT) operations. They work closely with computer software developers and other IT staff to manage code deployments and releases. Their duties include overseeing the IT infrastructure supporting software code in different environments, choosing a suitable deployment model, and directing testing protocol needed to validate releases. Other tasks they may likely perform include preparing test data, analyzing results, and troubleshooting issues and problems.

An average devops engineer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of bioinformatics software engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to devops engineers earning a $4,708 higher average salary than bioinformatics software engineers.bioinformatics software engineers and devops engineers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "python," "java," and "visualization," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a bioinformatics software engineer is likely to be skilled in "next-generation sequencing," "data analysis," "aws," and "javascript," while a typical devops engineer is skilled in "docker," "infrastructure," "jenkins," and "git."

Devops engineers earn the highest salary when working in the start-up industry, where they receive an average salary of $113,283. Comparatively, bioinformatics software engineers have the highest earning potential in the professional industry, with an average salary of $101,142.devops engineers typically earn lower educational levels compared to bioinformatics software engineers. Specifically, they're 7.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Bioinformatics software engineer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

Software developers tend to earn a lower pay than bioinformatics software engineers by an average of $11,790 per year.While their salaries may vary, bioinformatics software engineers and software developers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "python," "java," and "visualization. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between bioinformatics software engineers and software developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a bioinformatics software engineer might have more use for skills like "next-generation sequencing," "data analysis," "aws," and "c #." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of software developers require skills like "software development," "database," "debugging," and "git. "

The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for software developers, with average annual pay of $96,138. Comparatively, the highest bioinformatics software engineer annual salary comes from the professional industry.In general, software developers hold lower degree levels compared to bioinformatics software engineers. Software developers are 8.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 3.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of bioinformatics software 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.

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