Bioinformatician
Using computer software tools, you’ll analyse biological data to solve complex problems in fields such as genetics, genomics and proteomics.
About the job
What it's like
Bioinformaticians break down and analyse biological data to better understand human health and our environment. You could be working in any number of industries. You might develop a life-saving drug in the medical field or provide a charity with the data needed to create a bigger impact.
Your tasks might include:
developing efficient data-gathering methods and processes
using computer software and algorithms to analyse biological data such as our genetic coding
presenting results of analysis in reports
communicating scientific findings to governments, businesses and charities to influence policy and decision-making
collaborating with biologists and other researchers to design experiments and interpret results
As a bioinformatician, you’ll combine your skills in computing science with your knowledge of biology, medicine or mathematics to analyse biological data. You can explore both clinical and pathogen genomics as a bioinformatician. In clinical genomics, you’ll support the diagnosis and treatment of patients based on their unique genetic makeup. In pathogen genomics, you’ll support the tracking and investigation of pathogens or outbreaks. You could work with:
clinic scientists
doctors
specialist nurses
epidemiologists
clinic informaticians
external software suppliers
information management and technology teams
Hours
You’ll typically work full-time hours, Monday to Friday. However, occasional overtime or weekend work might be required.
Environment
You’ll be working either in a laboratory or in an office.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- r (programming language)
- biology
- bioinformatics
- dna sequencing
- alternative splicing
- genomics
- ribonucleic acid sequencing
- next-generation sequencing
- computational biology
- workflow management systems
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with numbers
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Statistics
Computing Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Chemistry
Bioinformaticians are typically very highly qualified, although there are different ways to reach the required level of education.
Many bioinformaticians have postgraduate qualifications. This is often a master’s or a PhD in one of the following subject areas:
human biology
microbiology
biological sciences
computer science
If you’re 16 or over, a Modern Apprenticeship in life science and related science industries can help gain practical work experience whilst working towards a qualification.
During your career, you can also work towards additional qualifications, such as PhDs and professional doctorates. Earning qualifications will help your career prospects and could lead to more senior roles or the chance to advance into more specialised areas of service.
Membership of an industry organisation can be a valuable way to build contacts within the industry and land a suitable role. Here are some organisations offering memberships:
Some experience with programming languages such as Python and R are desirable.
Clinical scientists working in the NHS must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Other professional bodies include the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).
You can browse technology volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
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