Bioinformatics Scientists — Tasks

Task statements

• Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
• Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
• Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
• Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
• Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
• Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
• Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
• Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
• Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
• Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
• Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
• Develop data models and databases.
• Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
• Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
• Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.
• Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
• Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
• Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
• Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
• Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.