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.
Picture the job
Where you'd usually workA data and analysis desk
- Mostly indoors
- Sitting for most of the day
- Rarely dealing with the public
- Regular working hours
An illustration of a typical workplace, not a photo. The work-style notes come from US O*NET data, so read them as a guide.
In Malaysia
In Malaysia bioinformatics jobs are few and concentrated in research bodies such as IMR (MyGenom precision-medicine project), the Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute (NIBM, Bangi), MPOB, universities and a handful of genomics firms. Many first jobs are short contracts (e.g. MySTEP) or research-assistant posts funded by grants.
- How people get into it here
- SPM → science or computing pre-university route → bachelor's in bioinformatics, biotechnology, computer science or molecular biology → research or data-analysis role. Linux, Python/R and sequence-analysis skills are useful. A research master's or PhD may be requested for specialist posts but is not a universal Q9 entry requirement.
- Government post
- Pegawai Penyelidik Gred Q9 (dahulu Q41) — e.g. IMR/NIH, MARDI, MPOB · starts at RM2,580 a month
Sources:spa.gov.mybiotech.upm.edu.mymardi.gov.mymy.jobstreet.com
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
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
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Matriculation
One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.
Asasi / Foundation
One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.
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.
Quick answers
How do you become a Bioinformatics Scientist in Malaysia?
SPM → science or computing pre-university route → bachelor's in bioinformatics, biotechnology, computer science or molecular biology → research or data-analysis role. Linux, Python/R and sequence-analysis skills are useful. A research master's or PhD may be requested for specialist posts but is not a universal Q9 entry requirement.
What should I study to become a Bioinformatics Scientist?
Related fields of study: Science and Data Science. SPM subjects that help most: Biology, Additional Science, Computer Science / ICT and Electrical & Electronic Eng. Studies.
How much does a Bioinformatics Scientist earn in Malaysia?
We don't yet have a Malaysian source we can cite for Bioinformatics Scientist pay, so we show no figure.
Biotechnology & STEM · Career guide
Bioinformatics Scientist
Uses computing and bioinformatics methods to investigate biological data.
Work overview based on O*NET occupation sources; Malaysian study examples and context are linked below. Actual requirements depend on the programme and post.
What does the work involve?
- Design analytical methods or algorithms.
- Analyse genomic or other biological data.
- Develop databases for biological research.
Work settings and skills
Computational work in biology, biotechnology or health-research teams.
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Study areas and planning after SPM
Bioinformatics, computational biology or a combination of biology and computer science.
Planning example: SPM → science pre-university or a diploma meeting programme requirements → a relevant bachelor's → job applications or research training. Check each programme's special requirements and each vacancy.
UPM's Bioinformatics and System Biology field combines computing with genomic and proteomic data.
These are study areas to explore, not verified admission rules for every programme. Check special requirements, recognition and curriculum directly with the institution.
Further study and professional checks
Choose further study according to the area you want to deepen and the post's requirements. Compare coursework and research modes and read the university's admission criteria.
Check the actual vacancy before treating a qualification as sufficient. Study or training does not guarantee admission or employment.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
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.
What beginner adverts asked for
We read 54 internship and fresh-graduate adverts in related fields (August 2026). A small sample from one job site, not every vacancy.
26 of 54 were internships
Allowance or pay, when stated
RM1,150 – RM3,500
23 of 54 adverts printed an amount: usually between RM1,150 and RM3,500 a month. Many print none.
Minimum CGPA asked
3.00 to 3.50
Stated in 6 adverts. Others did not state one.
Languages named
Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin
An empty line means the adverts did not say, not that employers have no requirement. Check each employer's own advert before you plan around it.
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