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Bioinformatics Researcher:
Within academic institutions or government-funded research laboratories, bioinformatics researchers are hard at work conducting complex research studies on biologically relevant problems through their expertise in technology. Due to the high level of knowledge needed, most bioinformatics researchers are required to have a Ph.D in Biology, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or Software Engineering. On a day-to-day basis, bioinformatics researchers are responsible for conducting studies on human diseases, developing new technologies, analyzing medical samples and designing programs that improve health outcomes, running research laboratory functions, and writing research grant proposals to receive proper funding.
Bioinformatics Analyst:
For individuals with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science and a strong background in statistics, there is the possibility of becoming a bioinformatics analyst. With high levels of expertise in complex algorithms, computer databases and software, and bioinformatics analysts are responsible for working through biological data to study the life cycle in hopes of developing cures for common human diseases. While consulting with researchers, analysts create bioinformatics databases to manipulate, present, organize, and update biological data. Many bioinformatics analysts decide to double major in computer science and biology to receive the specific skills needed for this career path. Bioinformatics analysts are in increasing demand for employment in universities, laboratories, research firms, private businesses, and government agencies. Bioinformatics Engineer/Developer
As one of the best computer science jobs available in bioinformatics that blends scientific computing with biological research, bioinformatics engineers or developers are given the responsibility of creating the software tools that are used by analysts and researchers. While some engineers do perform research themselves, the majority is more focused on designing the algorithms, data structures, software tools, and computer networks needed to ensure bioinformatics research continues to thrive. Since solid computer programming skills are a must to get started as a bioinformatics engineer, earning a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science is the most popular option.