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What is a principal bioinformatics specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Principal bioinformatics scientists contribute to product development by researching product specifics from the perspective of genomic inventions. They apply informatics and data analysis to investigations around next-generation sequencing and other areas combining technology and biology.

As a bioinformatics scientist, you will comply with data, design algorithms, analyze information, and create visual models for your findings. You will work in a team discussing issues and proposing innovative solutions for data analysis and other technological issues. You will be a driving force of innovation in your area of expertise. Creating documentation and publications about the progress and results of your work will also be your job.

As this is the position of a scientific researcher, the highest academic education is required to fill the role. A master's degree is the minimum, but usually, people in this position pursue doctoral studies in their field. Years of experience in active research positions are also necessary and in-depth familiarity with cutting-edge technologies facilitating the research, such as specialized software and other tools, is required.

ScorePrincipal Bioinformatics SpecialistUS Average
Salary
6.8

Avg. Salary $86,953

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.8

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.74%

Asian 11.88%

Black or African American 3.19%

Hispanic or Latino 9.02%

Unknown 5.37%

White 69.79%

Gender

female 28.07%

male 71.93%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a principal bioinformatics specialist

  1. Explore principal bioinformatics specialist education requirements

    Most common principal bioinformatics specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.2 %

    Master's

    19.3 %

    Associate

    10.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific principal bioinformatics specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management47.96%
    DOD16.51%
    Risk Assessments9.76%
    Purchase Orders6.17%
    Project Controls4.76%
  3. Complete relevant principal bioinformatics specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New principal bioinformatics specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a principal bioinformatics specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real principal bioinformatics specialist resumes.
  4. Research principal bioinformatics specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Collaborate on project to develop LIMS for managing biochemical assays and analyses.
    • Design LNG pipe-in-pipe wall thickness.
    • Perform strategic planning for H1N1, CBRNE, responses for DHS.
    • Work with cancer genomic data like RNA-seq to look at immune pathways and mechanisms.
  5. Apply for principal bioinformatics specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a principal bioinformatics specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first principal bioinformatics specialist job

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Average principal bioinformatics specialist salary

The average principal bioinformatics specialist salary in the United States is $86,953 per year or $42 per hour. Principal bioinformatics specialist salaries range between $58,000 and $128,000 per year.

Average principal bioinformatics specialist salary
$86,953 Yearly
$41.80 hourly

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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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