Bioinformatics Scientist
Science & Research
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
- 2Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- 3Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- 4Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- 5Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
- 6Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
- 7Develop data models and databases.
- 8Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
- 9Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
- 10Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
- 11Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
- 12Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
- 13Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
- 14Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
- 15Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
- 16Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
- 17Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.
- 18Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
- 19Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
- 20Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Bioinformatician
- Bioinformaticist
- Molecular Modeler
- Microarray Analyst
- Programmer Analyst
- Research Associate
- Research Scientist
How far is this from you?
Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.
1
Entry straight after SPM
2
SPM + sijil / short TVET course
3
Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)
4
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
Typical entry
Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
What you'd need to know
The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.
- Biology97%
BiologyAdditional Science
- Computers and Electronics92%
Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies
- Mathematics87%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- English Language84%
English
- Chemistry71%
Chemistry
- Education and Training66%
Tools you'd use
Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.
What the work feels like
Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.
- Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
- Contact with other peopleConstant contact
- Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
- Leading or coordinating othersHigh
- Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
- Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
- Noisy environmentRarely
- Time spent sittingAlmost all the time
Where this job is heading
Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.
- Inventory and order lab supplies.
AI and demand for this job
A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.
Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)
This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.
Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work
Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.
Pay in Malaysia
We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.
Where to check:
- JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
- DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
- SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Related careers
If this interests you, these are worth a look too.
About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
O*NET occupation: Bioinformatics Scientists
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org