Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Bioinformatics scientist
Bioinformatics scientists analyse biological processes using computer programmes. They maintain or construct databases containing biological information. Bioinformatics scientists gather and analyse biological data and may also assist scientists in various fields, including in biotechnology and pharmaceutics. They perform scientific research and statistical analyses, and report on their findings. Bioinformatics scientists may also collect DNA samples, discover data patterns and conduct genetic research.
Check yourself in a minute: bioinformatics scientist
Rate 5 of the 54 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
gather data
maintain freelance database
interpret current data
interact professionally in research and professional environments
Key skills in this occupation
Essential skills and knowledge areas from the European ESCO classification, 54 in total. The ones most specific to this occupation come first.
- manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods.
practical skill - gather data
Extract exportable data from multiple sources.
practical skill - maintain freelance database
Maintain a freelance database that offers extra support to your teams and is able to calculate negotiating costs.
practical skillmost at risk from AI - interpret current data
Analyse data gathered from sources such as market data, scientific papers, customer requirements and questionnaires which are current and up-to-date in order to assess development and innovation in areas of expertise.
practical skill - interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality.
practical skillresilient to AI - manage database
Apply database design schemes and models, define data dependencies, use query languages and database management systems (DBMS) to develop and manage databases.
practical skill - disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
practical skill - operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
practical skill
Check which of these skills you already have ↑
Knowledge (13)
life sciences
The study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms. More →
computer programming
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) and of programming… More →
genomics
The field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. More →
web programming
The programming paradigm that is based on combining markup (which adds context and structure to text) and other web programming code, such as AJAX, javascript and PHP, in order to carry out appropriate actions and… More →
scientific literature
The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. More →
statistics
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. More →
laboratory techniques
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods. More →
computer engineering
Engineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. More →
biology
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment. More →
computer equipment
The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements. More →
database management systems
The tools for creating, updating and managing databases, such as Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. More →
computational chemistry
The branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations. More →
computational biology
The interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments. More →
Practical skills (33)
perform data analysis
Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process. More →
speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages. More →
analyse scientific data
Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. More →
apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends. More →
evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review. More →
contact scientists
Listen, reply, and establish a fluid communication relationship with scientists in order to extrapolate their findings and information into a varied array of applications including business and industry. More →
demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research… More →
use databases
Use software tools for managing and organising data in a structured environment which consists of attributes, tables and relationships in order to query and modify the stored data. More →
increase the impact of science on policy and society
Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders. More →
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary. More →
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations. More →
apply for research funding
Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. More →
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. More →
conduct quantitative research
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. More →
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. More →
promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation. More →
publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal… More →
promote the transfer of knowledge
Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector. More →
think abstractly
Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences. More →
mentor individuals
Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the… More →
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. More →
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication. More →
develop professional network with researchers and scientists
Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. More →
integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender). More →
perform project management
Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set… More →
present reports
Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way. More →
assist scientific research
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control. More →
manage open publications
Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional… More →
collect biological data
Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products. More →
synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources. More →
conduct research across disciplines
Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries. More →
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects. More →
communicate with a non-scientific audience
Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. More →
Optional skills (28) — show
computer simulation
A programme run on a computer that represents dynamic responses of a system to explore a mathematical model behaviour, using a model of a real system, composed of mathematical equations. More →
biometrics
The science that statistically analyses human characteristics such as retina, voice or DNA for identification purposes. More →
mathematics
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. More →
genetics
The study of heredity, genes and variations in living organisms. More →
scientific computing
The interdisciplinary field between computer science, mathematics and engineering. More →
statistical modeling techniques
The approaches for employing statistical analysis to dataset within the data science field. More →
stem cells
The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved. More →
molecular biology
The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated. More →
multidisciplinary research
The research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it. More →
proteomics
The study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions. More →
scientific modelling
Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or… More →
data quality assessment
The process of revealing data issues using quality indicators, measures and metrics in order to plan data cleansing and data enrichment strategies according to data quality criteria. More →
genetic engineering
Manipulation of the genetic material of an organism using methods that insert new DNA into or remove heritable material from the genome. More →
scientific research methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results. More →
data science
The field of study that deals with big amount of data using AI techniques such as machine learning algorithms to predict patterns and obtain useful information to make business decisions. More →
perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing. More →
write research proposals
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. More →
maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning. More →
teach in academic or vocational contexts
Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities. More →
conduct genome research
Conduct research on matters relating to the genome, including gene expression, metabolic networks and nucleic acid or protein complexes. More →
develop scientific theories
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists. More →
gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements. More →
write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. More →
develop scientific research protocols
Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication. More →
manage data collection systems
Develop and manage methods and strategies used to maximise data quality and statistical efficiency in the collection of data, in order to ensure the gathered data are optimised for further processing. More →
apply blended learning
Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods. More →
evaluate genetic data
Evaluate genetic data by applying statistical calculations and analysing the results. More →
plan research process
Outline the research methodologies and schedule in order to ensure that the research can be thoroughly and efficiently executed and that the objectives can be met in a timely manner. More →
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
statistician34 shared essential skillsanalytical chemist33 shared essential skillsbiochemist33 shared essential skillsgeneticist33 shared essential skillssociologist33 shared essential skillsbehavioural scientist32 shared essential skillsbiometrician32 shared essential skillsbiophysicist32 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a bioinformatics scientist do?
Bioinformatics scientists analyse biological processes using computer programmes. They maintain or construct databases containing biological information. Bioinformatics scientists gather and analyse biological data and may also assist scientists in various fields, including in biotechnology and pharmaceutics. They perform scientific research and statistical analyses, and report on their findings. Bioinformatics scientists may also collect DNA samples, discover data patterns and conduct genetic research.
What skills does a bioinformatics scientist need?
A bioinformatics scientist needs 54 essential skills, including life sciences, computer programming, genomics, web programming, scientific literature.
Will AI replace bioinformatics scientist jobs?
The AI disruption score for bioinformatics scientist is 72/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: data quality assessment, maintain freelance database, write work-related reports. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
72/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
Check your own AI riskQuick Facts
Is bioinformatics scientist right for you?
Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.
Take the free test