What does a bioinformatics specialist do?
Bioinformatics specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real bioinformatics specialist resumes:
- Collaborate on project to develop LIMS for managing biochemical assays and analyses.
- Develop web base application to support LIMS system.
- Conduct LNG pipe-in-pipe size optimization by calculating materials, instrumentation, transportation, construction and installation cost.
- Support Abbott EHS personnel and manufacturing plants for industrial hygiene monitoring and ergonomic reviews.
Bioinformatics specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Bioinformatics Specialists are proficient in Python, Next-Generation Sequencing, and RNA-seq.
We break down the percentage of Bioinformatics Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 21%
Write SQL queries, Perl and Python scripts to aid with data extraction, processing, analysis and reporting.
- Next-Generation Sequencing, 19%
Build up infra-structure for next-generation sequencing data analysis.
- RNA-seq, 7%
Performed comparison of RNA-seq and 3'-Tag Digital Gene Expression data to evaluate optimal choice for a study involving human gene expression
- Genome, 7%
Designed and developed advanced web-based search engine using Perl, PHP and Berkley DB and MySql for human genome related literature.
- NGS, 7%
Developed best practice documentation for NGS analysis to enable transparent and reproducible data analysis.
- Linux, 6%
Administered and Maintained Linux system/server.
Most bioinformatics specialists use their skills in "python," "next-generation sequencing," and "rna-seq" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential bioinformatics specialist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a bioinformatics specialist to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what bioinformatics specialists do because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Additionally, a bioinformatics specialist resume shows how bioinformatics specialists use analytical skills: "created perl scripts to aid scientists in their data collection, analysis, and results. "
The three companies that hire the most bioinformatics specialists are:
- Massachusetts General Hospital7 bioinformatics specialists jobs
- University of Pennsylvania4 bioinformatics specialists jobs
- Quest Diagnostics1 bioinformatics specialists jobs
Compare different bioinformatics specialists
Bioinformatics specialist vs. Scientific database curator
Genomics scientists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for examining the samples of the nucleic acid of patients to identify genetic and genomic alterations that may cause inherited diseases or conditions. These scientists are required to examine cells for possible anomalies in the fetus where single-gene disorders have been identified through DNA analysis of families. They must conduct carrier testing and risk assessment for individuals who are at risk of single-gene disorders. Genomics scientists must also perform confirmation of diagnosis for patients with both inherited and acquired conditions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between bioinformatics specialists and scientific database curator. For instance, bioinformatics specialist responsibilities require skills such as "python," "next-generation sequencing," "rna-seq," and "genome." Whereas a scientific database curator is skilled in "scientific literature," "scientific journals," "encode," and "scientific community." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that scientific database curators earn slightly differ from bioinformatics specialists. In particular, scientific database curators are 17.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a bioinformatics specialist. Additionally, they're 12.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Bioinformatics specialist vs. Genomics scientist
Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that bioinformatics specialist responsibilities requires skills like "python," "next-generation sequencing," "rna-seq," and "genome." But a genomics scientist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "data analysis," "qc," "scientific literature," and "assay development."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Genomics scientists tend to reach lower levels of education than bioinformatics specialists. In fact, they're 16.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 12.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Bioinformatics specialist vs. Specialist
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 specialist is likely to be skilled in "python," "next-generation sequencing," "rna-seq," and "genome," while a typical specialist is skilled in "patients," "customer service," "work ethic," and "patient care."
When it comes to education, specialists tend to earn lower degree levels compared to bioinformatics specialists. In fact, they're 25.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 14.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Bioinformatics specialist vs. Bioinformaticist
Types of bioinformatics specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
