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.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Analyze or manipulate bioinformatics data using software packages, statistical applications, or data mining techniques.
- 2Develop or apply data mining and machine learning algorithms.
- 3Extend existing software programs, web-based interactive tools, or database queries as sequence management and analysis needs evolve.
- 4Maintain awareness of new and emerging computational methods and technologies.
- 5Design or implement web-based tools for querying large-scale biological databases.
- 6Conduct quality analyses of data inputs and resulting analyses or predictions.
- 7Enter or retrieve information from structural databases, protein sequence motif databases, mutation databases, genomic databases or gene expression databases.
- 8Develop or maintain applications that process biologically based data into searchable databases for purposes of analysis, calculation, or presentation.
- 9Confer with researchers, clinicians, or information technology staff to determine data needs and programming requirements and to provide assistance with database-related research activities.
- 10Participate in the preparation of reports or scientific publications.
- 11Monitor database performance and perform any necessary maintenance, upgrades, or repairs.
- 12Confer with database users about project timelines and changes.
- 13Write computer programs or scripts to be used in querying databases.
- 14Document all database changes, modifications, or problems.
- 15Create data management or error-checking procedures and user manuals.
- 16Perform routine system administrative functions, such as troubleshooting, back-ups, or upgrades.
- 17Package bioinformatics data for submission to public repositories.
- 18Train bioinformatics staff or researchers in the use of databases.
- 19Test new or updated software or tools and provide feedback to developers.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- Data Analyst
- Biotechnician
- Data Technician
- Research Scientist
- Database Technician
- Log Data Technician
- Biometrics Technician
- Field Data Technician
- Submission Technician
- Bioinformatics Analyst
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
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.
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.
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.
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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