Profession bioinformatics scientist

Bioinformatics scientists analyse biological processes using computer programmes. They maintain or construct databases containing biological information. Bioinformatics scientists gather and analyse biological data and may also assist scientists in various fields, including in biotechnology and pharmaceutics. They perform scientific research and statistical analyses, and report on their findings. Bioinformatics scientists may also collect DNA samples, discover data patterns and conduct genetic research.

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Personality Type

• Investigative / Conventional

Knowledge

• Laboratory techniques

  Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

• Database management systems

  The tools for creating, updating and managing databases, such as Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server.

• Statistics

  The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

• Biology

  Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

• Computer programming

  The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) and of programming languages.

• Computer equipment

  The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

• Web programming

  The programming paradigm that is based on combining markup (which adds context and structure to text) and other web programming code, such as AJAX, javascript and PHP, in order to carry out appropriate actions and visualise the content.

• Computer engineering

  Engineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and the integration of hardware and software.

Skills

• Assist scientific research

  Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.

• Contact scientists

  Listen, reply, and establish a fluid communication relationship with scientists in order to extrapolate their findings and information into a varied array of applications including business and industry.

• Use databases

  Use software tools for managing and organising data in a structured environment which consists of attributes, tables and relationships in order to query and modify the stored data.

• Present reports

  Display results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.

• Maintain database

  Maintain a freelance database that offers extra support to your teams and is able to calculate negotiating costs.

• Use a computer

  Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.

• Apply statistical analysis techniques

  Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

• Perform data analysis

  Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.

• Gather data

  Extract exportable data from multiple sources.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Conduct quantitative research

  Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.

• Manage database

  Apply database design schemes and models, define data dependencies, use query languages and database management systems (DBMS) to develop and manage databases.

• Interpret current data

  Analyse data gathered from sources such as market data, scientific papers, customer requirements and questionnaires which are current and up-to-date in order to assess development and innovation in areas of expertise.

• Analyse scientific data

  Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.

• Collect biological data

  Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB