Biostatician, Biometrician, Computational Biologist

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field of knowledge concerned with the application of computer science to the collection, storage, organisation, analysis and exploitation of information relating to biological or medical data. It is characterised by the application of computational technologies and statistics to the management and analysis of biological data, and is the interface between computer science, biomedical sciences, physics and chemistry. In this sense, bioinformatics responds to the need to manage the large volumes of data generated by new technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc., using tools such as Big Data, among others.

Thus, these professionals apply computer science and information technologies to data processing in the field of biology; computer science, programming languages and large computational infrastructures are the pillars used by these professionals to collect, manage, store and analyse biological data, developing algorithms or mathematical models to extract the maximum knowledge from the data and apply it directly to biological or biomedical challenges. They also use these tools and knowledge to simulate systems of a biological nature, mainly at the molecular level.

Some of the professionals in this field come from a biomedical background, while others specialise in computational tools. These professionals work in different fields of medical and health science, including biology, genetics, proteomics and pharmaceuticals.

• Collect and model data to analyse biological phenomena and events: create mathematical models, develop dynamic simulations and perform pattern analysis of biological systems. They also develop algorithms, software, platforms and customised software to analyse biometric data.
• Integrate and exploit a large amount of data and knowledge from experimental studies and databases or related technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, physiology, etc.).
• Apply mathematical knowledge, algorithmic principles and computational theories to model and design computer systems.
• Apply statistical and computer models to solve problems in molecular biology, genomics, medical research and population genetics.
• Create systems to collect data: building a survey methodology, designing a clinical trial for a new medication or programming a statistical model.
• Perform quality checking studies of the models described by comparing numerical situations and experimental data.
• Create databases to compile large amounts of information from activities such as gene expression profiling and protein expression.
• Create data algorithms and specialised computer software to identify and classify components of a biological system, such as DNA sequences and proteins.
• Supervise other scientists of their own team of laboratory technicians, maintaining laboratory documentation.
• Keep up to date with new statistical approaches and developments in bioinformatics.
• Write scientific articles for bioinformatics journals and present results at scientific conferences.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Bioinformàtica
• Grau: Ciències biomèdiques
• Grau: Estadística aplicada
• Grau: Enginyeria biomèdica

Complementary training

Postgraduate courses in Computer Science for Biology graduates.
Postgraduate courses in Molecular Biology for Computer Science graduates.
Postgraduate studies in Statistics recommended for Biotechnology graduates.
Knowledge of Statistics applied to medicine.

Other specific skills

Knowledge of English: high level essential.
Computer skills: very high level (algorithm development, Bayesian networks, Hidden Markov Models, statistical analysis and database visualization tools) and command of the computer language Perl.
Knowledge of Molecular Biology (DNA sequencing, protein functionality, protein-protein interactions, genomics, neural networks).
A solid scientific background, good logical thinking skills, ability to handle abstract models, observation, attention and concentration.
Analytical and creative thinking.

It is important to have two to three years of experience as a researcher in international bioinformatics centres, and the completion of doctoral or postdoctoral work in this area.

Communication: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 3

Analytical thought: Level 3

Conceptual thought: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 3

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Biochips engineer

Gene therapy expert

Neurobiologist

e-Health consultant

Expert in telemedicine

• Work hours

  'he working day can be part-time or full-time, full working day or full day's work with no lunch break.

• Salary

  On average, the gross remuneration is as follows:
  Public institutes: between 25,000 and 35,000 euros per year.
  Pharmaceutical companies or companies specialising in bioinformatics: between 45,000 and 70,000 euros per year.
  Salaries also depend on the number of years of experience in the bioinformatics sector.
  

• Professional category

  Technician