Bioinformatics Technician
Science
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. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic 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
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
Bioinformatics jobs in Malaysia are few and mostly research-based: the Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute (under NIBM), universities, the Institute for Medical Research, and plantation and agri-biotech firms (e.g. FGV). Titles are usually 'Research Officer', 'Research Assistant' or 'Bioinformatician', often on grant-funded contracts.
- How people get into it here
- SPM → Foundation/Matriculation (science) → Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics (e.g. UKM) or Biotechnology/Computer Science with bioinformatics → research assistant/officer at a research institute or university; many continue to a Master's
Sources:nibm.my
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)
Typical entry
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
5
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.
Diploma
Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.
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 Technician in Malaysia?
SPM → Foundation/Matriculation (science) → Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics (e.g. UKM) or Biotechnology/Computer Science with bioinformatics → research assistant/officer at a research institute or university; many continue to a Master's.
What should I study to become a Bioinformatics Technician?
Related fields of study: Science and Computer Science. SPM subjects that help most: Computer Science / ICT, Electrical & Electronic Eng. Studies, Additional Mathematics and Mathematics.
How much does a Bioinformatics Technician earn in Malaysia?
We don't yet have a Malaysian source we can cite for Bioinformatics Technician pay, so we show no figure.
Biotechnology & STEM · Career guide
Bioinformatics Technician
Helps scientists use computational tools to manage and analyse biological information.
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?
- Apply bioinformatics tools to process data.
- Visualise or interpret molecular information.
- Build or maintain biological databases.
Work settings and skills
Computational-support teams in biological or biotechnology research.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Study areas and planning after SPM
Bioinformatics, computer science, life sciences or related technical training.
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.
- Computers and Electronics95%
Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies
- Mathematics90%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- English Language80%
English
- Biology76%
BiologyAdditional Science
- Design58%
Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing
- Engineering and Technology57%
PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
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 othersA little
- Handling conflict situationsAlmost never
- Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
- Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
- Noisy environmentAlmost never
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 90 internship and fresh-graduate adverts in related fields (August 2026). A small sample from one job site, not every vacancy.
61 of 90 were internships
Allowance or pay, when stated
RM800 – RM2,850
48 of 90 adverts printed an amount: usually between RM800 and RM2,850 a month. Many print none.
Minimum CGPA asked
2.00 to 3.50
Stated in 10 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 Technicians
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org