How to become A Bioinformatics Technician

Bioinformatics is widely used in precision medicine and preventive medicine. Bioinformatics Technicians help scientists develop diagnostic and therapeutic tools to treat, cure and prevent diseases such as diabetes, cancer, influenza, and heart disease.

• Assistant Research Scientist
• Bioinformatics Analyst
• Bioinformatics Specialist
• Biotechnician
• Scientific Informatics Analyst

What do Bioinformatics Technicians do?

A Bioinformatics Technician would typically need to:

• Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology, and medical informatics
• Manipulate and analyse data using data mining techniques, software packages, and statistical applications
• Broaden the scope of current software programs, web-based interactive tools, or database queries to accommodate evolving sequence management and analysis needs
• Analyse data inputs and the resulting predictions; enter or retrieve information from structural, protein sequence motif, mutation, and gene expression databases
• Develop or maintain applications that process biological data into searchable databases to facilitate analysis, calculation, or presentation
• Collaborate with researchers, clinicians, or IT staff to define data and programming requirements; assist with database-related research
• Help prepare reports and scientific publications; write computer programs or scripts for use in querying databases
• Monitor database performance and perform essential maintenance, upgrades, or repairs; document all issues and modifications; create procedures and user manuals
• Develop or apply data mining and machine learning algorithms; monitor project timelines and changes; prepare bioinformatics data for submission to public repositories
• Perform routine systems administrative functions such as troubleshooting, back-ups, or upgrades; train team members in the use of databases
• Test new or updated software or tools and provide feedback to developers

Bioinformatics Technicians work as part of a team in an indoor office-style environment. They spend most of their time at a computer. This career does not require travel

Bioinformatics Technicians have a standard nine to five, five days a week working schedule, possibly with some.

Most Bioinformatics Technicians are employed by pharmaceutical companies that use biological and genomic data to develop new drugs. Others work for biotechnology companies that develop new medical treatments and products.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. You can boost your job search by asking your network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Bioinformatics Technicians are generally employed by:

• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Biopharmaceutical Companies
• Biotechnology Companies
• Biomedical Research Companies
• Software Companies
• Insurance Carriers
• Government Health Agencies & Hospitals
• Grantmaking Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Society of Computational Biology (ISCB), are crucial for a Bioinformatics Technician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• A sedentary career; possible eye strain due to long hours spent at the computer poring over data
• The need to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field

Although Bioinformatics Technicians do generally not require work experience for entry-level jobs, reading as much as possible about the profession, talking with a high school coun­selor, and interviewing those working in Bioinformatics will offer proof of your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most entry-level Bioinformatics Technicians hold an associate or bachelor's degree in bioinformatics or computational biology; a master’s degree is less common.

Biology or computer science departments may offer these interdisciplinary courses that apply computer science and IT to the life sciences. The coursework will include genomics, genetics, biology, microbiology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics.

High school classes in computer science, advanced mathematics, statistics, physiology, chemistry, biology, and English will help you gain admission to an accredited program.

Voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organisation in data management, accounting technology, and bookkeeping can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Dedication and hard work will help promote Bioinformatics Technicians to an Entry-Level Bioinformatics Specialist position and later to an Experienced Bioinformatics Specialist. At this point, you will have multiple career options as a Supervisor, a Manager or a College Professor.

Bioinformatics Technicians who are knowledgeable in computers, mathematics, and biology have the best job prospects.

Most Bioinformatics Technicians receive on-the-job training.Higher positions often need candidates with a master’s degree in bioinformatics or a doctorate.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT. You will need to be aware of new and emerging computational methods and technologies.

Bioinformatics - A Revolutionary Concept

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that includes biology, computer science, data science, mathematics, and statistics to make sense of the humongous data related to modern bioscience.

Now scientists can compare the genome sequences of thousands of individuals or species and all related data. Bioinformatics helps them mine the data for associations which lead to discoveries. Bioinformatics plays a critical role in the design of experiments through its skilful blending of data generation and data analysis.

As computer technology gains in strength, bioinformatics increases our knowledge and ability to tackle global challenges like fighting pandemics or making agriculture more sustainable.

Tools of the Trade

Bioinformatics Technicians use access software such as Avaya Identity Engines, data visualisation software, Microsoft Suite, Microsoft SQL Server, and development environment software such as Ruby.

Humans share eighty-five per cent of DNA with a mouse, forty per cent with a fruit fly, and forty-one per cent with a banana.

The field of Bioinformatics is fascinating, complex and filled with an endless amount of information. It can deconstruct, analyse, and manipulate data to offer viable solutions to previously terminal diseases. Bioinformatics Technicians have a chance to bring radical changes to the fields of biology, technology and medicine.

“Before you decide to study in this field, I would highly recommend looking at areas and applications of Bioinformatics which interest you. Read scientific journals in these areas to better understand what the field entails so you can make informed decisions about your future. This will also help you choose your curriculum once you pursue your higher education.”- Aprajita Mathur, Senior Bioinformatics Manager.