What they do
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
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Also called: |
Bioinformaticist, Bioinformatics Scientist, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Scientific Database Curator, Scientist
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Wages
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Biological Scientists, All Other* |
Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 22.79 |
$47,400 |
25% |
$ 24.99 |
$51,990 |
Median |
$ 27.88 |
$57,990 |
75% |
$ 41.14 |
$85,570 |
90% |
$ 48.52 |
$100,920 |
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Average |
$ 33.81 |
$70,330 |
* You're seeing information for "Biological Scientists, All Other" because it includes "Bioinformatics Scientists" for which wage information is not available. |
1 What are Percentile Wages? |
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Industries of Employment
Biological Scientists, All Other* |
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Federal government, excluding postal service
| 40% |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 33% |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 11% |
- Ambulatory healthcare services
| 3% |
| 3% |
* You're seeing information for "Biological Scientists, All Other" because it includes "Bioinformatics Scientists" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
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- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
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- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
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- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
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- Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
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Related Occupations
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Projected Employment
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Biological Scientists, All Other* |
Vermont |
2020 employment |
52 |
2030 employment |
53 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
0.2% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
5 |
* You're seeing information for "Biological Scientists, All Other" because it includes "Bioinformatics Scientists" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Biological Scientists, All Other* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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* You're seeing information for "Biological Scientists, All Other" because it includes "Bioinformatics Scientists" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Seldom Important
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Low | | High |
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Job Zone
Extensive Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(8.0 and above) - A typical worker will require
over 4 years up to and including 10 years or more
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 50% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 16% |
Bachelor's degree | | 34% |
Associate's degree | | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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- Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
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- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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- Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
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- Analyze biological samples.
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- Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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