Biology Systems Specialist

Systems biology is a discipline that emerged around the year 2000. It is based on the study of an organism or biological system, seen as an integrated and interrelated system of genes, proteins and biochemical reactions that result in biological processes. Instead of analysing the individual components of an organism, systems biology specialists focus on all components and their interactions as part of a single system, the biology of the organism. Nearly any biological process can be studied by systems biology, such as, for example, the growth of a cell, the interaction between two bacteria and the blood circulation in an organism. Systems biology specialists are responsible for reconstructing and modelling the different networks of molecular interaction that occur within a biological system or process in order to find emerging properties of biomedical and biotechnological interest.

• Work with biologists, mathematicians and engineers to propose new hypotheses for research in the biological systems under study.
• Compare findings to the classical approach (and not to the integrated approach as in systems biology).
• Design mathematical models and algorithms to explain some of the biological phenomena studied or make predictions about potential new interactions, and write reports on findings.
• Integrate and use a large amount of data and knowledge from experimental studies and platforms or disciplines (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics or physiology).
• Conduct studies to verify the quality of described models by comparison among numerical simulations and experimental data.
• Integrate knowledge from different platforms or disciplines (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, physiology, pathology, etc.).
• Participate in relevant conferences and seminars, and possibly write articles in specialty journals.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Biotecnologia
• Grau: Ciències biomèdiques
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes biològics

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Initiative: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Communication: Level 1

Conceptual thought: Level 3

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.

Specialist in biofuels

Specialist in industrial biomaterials

Pharmaceutical chemist

Fish pathologist

Peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis specialist

• Work hours

  The work day may be part or full time, either intensive or split shift.

• Salary

  Gross salary ranges, on average, between 25,000 and 60,000 euros a year, depending on a candidate's experience.

• Professional category

  Technician