With the onset of big data, its effects and significance across different industries is increasing by every passing day. This is a positive sign for life scientists who have their interests in bioinformatics, statistics, computer science and similar skill sets. The job scenario for such professionals is quite rosy. There are all sorts of companies, right from biotech, and software to big pharmaceutical manufacturers that are trying to hire professionals with relevant experience in bioinformatics. This job growth is further fueled by spur of innovative research in bioinformatics.
Today’s bioinformaticists are in for a real treat. With a seemingly endless stream of biological data being generated across sectors, there is high demand for talented, experienced professionals at the crossroads of biology, statistics, and computer science. Scientists who can analyze large amounts of information and present it in a clear manner to decision makers are finding the sky is the limit in terms of jobs and career pathways, especially in the big pharmaceutical and biotech sectors
What Is Bioinformatics And Why It Is Required?
Bioinformatics is actually the science of collecting and scrutinizing intricate biological data which includes genetic codes. This research generates huge volume of information which is churned out by the research labs. This genetic information is then applied for the discovery and development of gene-based drug.
Career Opportunities in Boinformatics Industry
Bioinformatics industry is one among the fastest growing industries. It is expected to be an extraordinary one in the next two decades and within ten years from now it will transform into a major industry discovering newest drugs. Globally it is expected to touch huge revenue which will in turn open up huge job opportunities in the market.
What Type Of Candidates Does Bioinformatics Require?
Organizations these days seek for cross-functional manpower. On one hand biologists with IT skills are highly preferred and on the other hand, IT professionals having interest in biology are welcomed too. The competition these days is too high and hence just one skill is not at all enough. The more skill you have, the more stable your job becomes. Professionals who can provide complete cost-effective database solutions to the industry are appointed and highly appreciated.
What Work A Bioinformatician Does?
The major functions of a Bioinformatician are—developing IT tools representing new and systematic techniques, and implementing these tools so as to attain new insights into molecular biology. Although it is too powerful in itself but still it is just a part of Biotechnology. Just a DNA sequence code for a new protein is not enough and it will definitely not make it in use automatically. The information is actually needed to be converted into helpful processes.
Education Requirements
To become a Bioinformatics specialist, extensive formal education is mandatory. First of all graduation degree in biology is most important along with this additional computer science courses and advanced mathematics.
There are many universities all over the world offering Master of Science or a Ph. D. program in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology. Special courses are also offered which is a plus for aspiring bioinformaticians. Graduation degree in computer science and engineering is also applicable for this course. Almost 2-5 years of study is required to complete the program.
According to experts, the most successful bioinformaticians are the ones with multitude of skills. The more you understand the essence of biology, the more expert you become in this job. Recruiters basically look for doctorates in different fields such as molecular and cellular science, genetics, chemistry, biology etc. There are many companies who seek for proficiency in the biology of a particular disease.
Moreover, additional significant skills are essential for big data careers. For example, data integration, machine learning, ontology etc. are few of the highlighted skills required. If a candidate is looking forward to step-in into this huge industry then opt for these courses as it has huge scope globally. They are also paid with a decent annual package globally along with a great career growth. It is the booming industry at present and in the coming years it will be one among the leading ones. Bioinformatics also can lead to a higher position such as that of Medical officer, because there are medical institutions, hospitals that are specifically dedicated to the trade of bioinformatics. You can easily apply to medical officer jobs with bioinformatics as one of your specializations.
