Bioinformatics Specialists

Bioinformatics specialists collect, manage, and study biological (especially DNA) and biochemical data at the molecular level by using computer software and hardware. They also design computer databases and develop complicated mathematical formulas called algorithms to study and manage data. Bioinformatics specialists are also known as biostatisticians, computational biologists, bioinformaticists, bioinformatics scientists, and biometricians.

Quick Facts
Duties	Collect, manage, and study biological and biochemical data at the molecular level by using computer software and hardware; design computer databases and develop complicated mathematical formulas called algorithms
Alternate Title(s)	Bioinformaticists, Bioinformatics Scientists, Biometricians, Biostatisticians, Computational Biologists
Salary Range	$25,000 to $100,000+
Employment Prospects	Good
Advancement Prospects	Good
Work Environment	Primarily Indoors
Best Geographical Location(s)	Opportunities are available throughout the country, but are best in large, metropolitan areas
Education and Training	Bachelor's Degree
Related School Subjects	Biology Chemistry Computer Science
Experience	Internship, volunteering, or a part-time job
Skills	Computer Math Scientific
Personality Traits	Organized Scientific Technical
Licensure/Certification	None
Special Requirements	None
Career Ladder	Supervisor, or Manager, or College Professor Experienced Bioinformatics Specialist Entry-Level Bioinformatics Specialist Bioinformatics Technician