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Occupation AtlasBioinformatics Technicians

O*NET · 15-2099.01

Bioinformatics Technicians

Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.

Also called Biocurator · Bioinformatics Analyst · Bioinformatics Data Analyst · Bioinformatics Research Technician · Bioinformatics Specialist · Biometrics Tech · Biometrics Technician (Biometrics Tech) · Biotechnician
5 more

Field Data Tech · Field Data Technician (Field Data Tech) · Research Scientist · Research Specialist · Scientific Informatics Analyst

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ICR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Statistical Assistants

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ICRInvestigative · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.42
  • C Conventional6.04
  • R Realistic3.81
  • S Social1.69
  • A Artistic1.58
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree51%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate3%
  • Master's Degree41%
  • Doctoral Degree4%
  • Post-Doctoral Training2%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (47%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (48%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Learningbasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Writingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Complex Problem Solving3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Mathematicsbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Speakingbasic3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Systems Analysis3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Sciencebasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
Show the other 23
  • Programming3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Systems Evaluation3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Instructing2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Coordination2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Persuasion2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Negotiation2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Quality Control Analysis2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Maintenance1.1—
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Operation and Control1.1—
  • Repairing1.1—
  • Troubleshooting1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

10 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Confer with researchers, clinicians, or information technology staff to determine data needs and programming requirements and to provide assistance with database-related research activities.4.0
  2. Conduct quality analyses of data inputs and resulting analyses or predictions.4.0
  3. Analyze or manipulate bioinformatics data using software packages, statistical applications, or data mining techniques.3.9
  4. Monitor database performance and perform any necessary maintenance, upgrades, or repairs.3.5
  5. Document all database changes, modifications, or problems.3.5
  6. Maintain awareness of new and emerging computational methods and technologies.3.4
  7. Participate in the preparation of reports or scientific publications.3.4
  8. Test new or updated software or tools and provide feedback to developers.3.3
  9. Create data management or error-checking procedures and user manuals.3.2
  10. Confer with database users about project timelines and changes.3.2
Show the other 9
  1. Develop or maintain applications that process biologically based data into searchable databases for purposes of analysis, calculation, or presentation.4.1
  2. Write computer programs or scripts to be used in querying databases.4.1
  3. Enter or retrieve information from structural databases, protein sequence motif databases, mutation databases, genomic databases or gene expression databases.3.8
  4. Develop or apply data mining and machine learning algorithms.3.7
  5. Extend existing software programs, web-based interactive tools, or database queries as sequence management and analysis needs evolve.3.6
  6. Design or implement web-based tools for querying large-scale biological databases.3.5
  7. Train bioinformatics staff or researchers in the use of databases.3.4
  8. Package bioinformatics data for submission to public repositories.3.3
  9. Perform routine system administrative functions, such as troubleshooting, back-ups, or upgrades.3.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and Electronics4.86.0Level 7 looks like: Create a program to scan a computer for viruses
  • Mathematics4.56.0Level 7 looks like: Derive a complex mathematical equation
  • English Language4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Biology3.85.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Design2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Engineering and Technology2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Chemistry2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Administration and Management2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
  • Administrative2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Education and Training2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.52.6
  • Physics2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Psychology2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Mechanical1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Production and Processing1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Public Safety and Security1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and Media1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Telecommunications1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sales and Marketing1.61.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Therapy and Counseling1.6—
  • Economics and Accounting1.5—
  • Geography1.41.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Transportation1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Written Comprehension4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning3.83.8
  • Inductive Reasoning3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Information Ordering3.63.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Written Expression3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Oral Expression3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
Show all 52
  • Selective Attention3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Category Flexibility3.43.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Near Vision3.44.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Fluency of Ideas3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Number Facility3.13.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Visualization3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far Vision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Memorization2.92.9
  • Speed of Closure2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Depth Perception1.60.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.3—
  • Control Precision1.1—
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.0—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Manual Dexterity1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—
  • Trunk Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.95.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.86.3Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
  • Processing Information4.86.5Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
  • Getting Information4.65.9
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.36.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.25.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Thinking Creatively4.15.8
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.05.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.14.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.82.6
  • Training and Teaching Others2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.62.9
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.42.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.02.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.61.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.30.9Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Spend Time Sitting4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Contact With Others3.9
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.9
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers3.6

Technology

47 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (29)

  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • C
  • C++
  • Git
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Jenkins CI
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • Python
  • R
Show the other 5
  • Ruby
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (18)
  • Atlassian Bamboo
  • Avaya Identity Engines
  • Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST
  • Bioconductor
  • Bowtie
  • Burrows-Wheeler Aligner BWA
  • ClustalW
  • Cufflinks
  • Data visualization software
  • Esri ArcGIS
  • Genome Analysis Toolkit GATK
  • GENSCAN
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • PHYLIP
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Ion Reporter
  • TopHat
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Data Scientists
  2. Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
  3. Biological Technicians
  4. Database Architects
  5. Statistical Assistants
  6. Database Administrators
  7. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  8. Social Science Research Assistants
  9. Cytogenetic Technologists
  10. Medical Records Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.