Bioinformatiker/Bioinformatikerin

Information services from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), including the film Bioinformatik (basic) and other information resources such as Big Data Insider, Bioinformatics, BIOspektrum, Dev Insider, GMS Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie (MIBE), Informatik Aktuell, Informatik-Spektrum, IT-Business - Channel-Portal für IT und Cloud Computing, it - Information Technology, iX - Magazin für professionelle Informationstechnik, Journal of Computational Biology, kaggle.com - Your Home for Data Science, Made in Germany. Die nationale KI-Strategie der Bundesregierung, PLOS Computational Biology, and Quantentechnologien. Rahmenprogramm der Bundesregierung.

IT security is a growing market. The increasing interconnectedness through the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, cloud computing, online retail, etc., poses many security risks for private individuals and companies. Data theft through phishing attacks, fake electronic cards, hacker intrusions, and cyberterrorism require constant adaptation of security measures in companies and public authorities, as well as corresponding training for employees. One of these measures is cyber resilience, which plays a major role in protecting (personal) data. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect and combat cyberattacks is also playing an increasingly important role in IT security. The demand for IT security experts who master both traditional and innovative approaches is therefore constantly rising.

The following interests are important and helpful for success in this field of study. Interests are listed in order of their importance, with illustrative activities for each area. Interest in theoretical-abstract activities, e.g., analyzing sensor data using artificial intelligence, developing simulations of biological processes, or examining biological structures with bioinformatics software. Interest in administrative-organizational activities, e.g., organizing biological and chemical information or maintaining reaction and substance databases. Interest in organizational-auditing activities, e.g., testing self-developed sequence analysis programs.

Bioinformaticians primarily work in offices, data centers, meeting and training rooms, and IT laboratories. Additionally, they may also work from home or remotely.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during the Studium (university studies) include: Algorithms, Applied Informatics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Bioprinting, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Data Analysis, Database Administration, -Management, -Organization, Development, AI Programming Assistants, Modeling, Simulation (IT), Molecular Agriculture, Programming, Software Engineering, System Software (Development, Programming, Analysis), Theoretical Informatics. Further competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession include: Work Preparation, Biometrics, Data Protection, Data Transfer, Data Preparation, Research, Information and Communication Management, AI Systems, Teaching Activities (University), Mathematics, Neuromorphic Computing, Project Management, Statistics, System Support, System Administration, Knowledge Management Systems. Other relevant skills and knowledge include: Competence group 'Operating Systems', Competence group 'Databases, Data Management Systems', Competence group 'Network Protocols'.

The progressive digitalization of the world of work and professions can change task areas and requirement profiles. Bioinformaticians may have the opportunity to deal with the following technologies, procedures, or systems: 3-D simulation (e.g., developing software for the simulation of biological and chemical processes or for visualizing microscopic structures or neural networks), Image recognition (e.g., developing software for evaluating imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, angiography, or computed tomography), Bioprinting (e.g., developing software for bioprinters; creating 3-D models for biological structures to be printed), Cognitive Computing (e.g., developing intelligent, self-learning computer systems; applying machine learning methods), Data analysis (e.g., recognizing structures in deciphered genomes with the help of data mining tools), DevOps tools (e.g., using DevOps tools in software development).

Bioinformaticians identify and model biological processes and structures using information technology. This requires analytical thinking, high precision, and concentration, as well as patience and perseverance for lengthy projects. Interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork enable collaboration with specialists from other fields. In consulting discussions with clients, they address their wishes and requirements, inform them about possible solutions, and expertly weigh their advantages and disadvantages. In the private sector or public institutions, and when acquiring research funds (Drittmittel), negotiation skills and persuasiveness play a significant role. In teaching at universities, they also apply pedagogical and subject-specific didactic knowledge, measuring the quality of their teaching by student progress and feedback. At international conferences...

Bioinformaticians can, for example, become self-employed as consultants for biotechnology companies or establish or take over a business, for instance, for computer services.

Example collective bargaining gross basic salary (monthly): 5,424 € to 6,439 €. Source: Collective bargaining collection of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Pharmacy: Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products, e.g., research departments in pharmaceutical industry companies. Manufacture of specialized pharmaceutical products and other pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., research departments in pharmaceutical industry companies. Chemistry: Manufacture of basic chemicals, fertilizers and nitrogen compounds, plastics in primary forms, and synthetic rubber in primary forms, e.g., research departments in chemical industry companies. Software Development, Provision: Publishing of other software, especially software houses that develop and distribute data processing systems and programs for scientific applications. Programming activities not elsewhere classified, especially software development for scientific applications, e.g., databases in bioinformatics. IT Services: Provision of other information technology services, especially in the field of bioinformatics. Nature, Engineering...

Those who wish to work in this profession typically need a completed undergraduate degree (grundständig) in bioinformatics or computer science. Leadership positions or specialized tasks usually require a master's degree (Masterstudium). Activities in science and research often require a doctorate (Promotion) or Habilitation.

Bioinformatics (undergraduate - grundständig), Bioinformatics (postgraduate - weiterführend)

Bioinformaticians find employment in companies in the pharmaceutical or chemical industry, with software and database providers for scientific applications, with IT service providers, and in research and development.

Bioinformatician. Professional titles in English: Bioinformatician (m/f), Bioinformatics scientist (m/f), Computer scientist (m/f) (bioinformatics). Professional title in French: Bioinformaticien/Bioinformaticienne.

Some characteristics of work and social behavior are relevant for all professions and are therefore not mentioned separately. These include reliability, punctuality, honesty, ability to criticize, and appropriate manners. In addition, the following profession-specific characteristics are required to practice this academic profession: Performance and commitment (e.g., willingness to enthusiastically take on demanding programming tasks with tight deadlines), perseverance / determination (e.g., analyzing weaknesses in simulation software for biochemical processes; conducting lengthy and extensive test runs), conscientiousness (e.g., error-free evaluation of sensory or optical data using methods of pattern recognition and artificial intelligence), independent work style (e.g., independently developing software solutions for processing biological data), willingness to learn (e.g., continuous further training).

Bioinformaticians process data from biological processes using information technology and work at the interface between life sciences (biology, chemistry, and pharmacy) and computer science.

Job and applicant portals: Biologie.de, Bionity.com Karriere, Computerwoche.de, Fachinformatiker.de, goleminformatik-personal.de, itjobs.rocks, IT-Positionen.de, IT-Treff, life-science Karriere Services, nature careers, pharmajobs.com.

Associations and organizations: Bundesverb. Informationswirt., Telekommunikation und neue Medien e.V. (Bitkom), CEPIS - Council of European Professional Informatics Societies, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Deutsche Gesellschaft f. Med. Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie e.V. (GMDS), Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), Gesellschaft zur Förderung angewandter Informatik e.V. (GFaI), IG Metall (IGM), VBIO Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften und Biomedizin in Deutschland e.V., VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V., VDI-Gesellschaft Technologies of Life Sciences (VDI-TLS).

Bioinformaticians bear responsibility for individuals, such as guiding and managing employees, teaching and supervising students. They are also responsible for material assets, for instance, ensuring the efficient use of research and development budgets. They engage in customer contact, for example, by conducting customer and user training sessions. They work with technical devices, machines, and systems, such as assembling hardware components and setting up research equipment. They perform screen work, dealing with databases, programming languages, image processing, and visualization programs. They work in office environments, planning and designing research projects. They also work in teaching/training rooms, conducting lectures in auditoriums or seminar rooms before a group.

Professional deployment opportunities for bioinformaticians are structured according to fields of activity. These include information acquisition, indexing, and processing (Data-Warehouse-Analyst), IT coordination, organization, and management (IT Manager, IT Organizer, Head of Software Development, IT Dispatcher, Head of IT). In IT security, they can work as Data Protection Officers and IT Security Coordinators. In IT system development, they can serve as DevOps Engineers and Software Architects. They can engage in teaching activities at universities as Lecturers and Study Program Coordinators. In software development, they work as Mobile Developers, Software Developers, and Web Developers. In process and product development, they can take on roles as Heads of Research and Development. In scientific research, they work as Research Officers, Heads of Research Groups, and Scientific Staff.

The working materials and tools for bioinformaticians include documents such as database concepts, measurement data statistics, hardware and software documentation, training materials, and legal regulations (e.g., data protection provisions). They utilize computer technology and software, including data processing systems, information and communication technology systems, operating systems, developer software, testing tools, simulation, and visualization software. Office equipment such as PCs, internet access, and telephones are also among their working tools.

Bioinformaticians develop software to extract genetic information from plants, animals, and humans, for example, through genome sequencing. This information is used to make possible predictions about biological phenomena. They simulate biological and chemical processes, design databases, and develop programs that visualize microscopic structures or neural networks. Their expertise, spanning molecular biology and biotechnology, computer science, and computational linguistics, is in demand in many areas of research and application.

Adaptive continuing education helps to keep professional knowledge current and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in the fields of biotechnology, software development, programming, IT project management, or research and development).

Bachelor graduates can expand their career opportunities through further Studium (higher education), for example, in Bioinformatics or Computer Science. A doctorate (Promotion) is generally required for a scientific career at a university; for appointment as a university professor, a habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) is usually needed. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, in research, and in public administration.

Bioinformaticians process information obtained from research – data from a gene, an organism, or even an entire ecosystem – using information technology, typically with high-performance computers or artificial intelligence. They develop and implement analysis programs and user software. They utilize database applications and data integration, as well as image processing and visualization. They model, simulate, and apply neural networks, and consider IT and data security. They investigate biological processes and structures with information technology, analyze biological data, and organize biological information. They make predictions with data. They simulate biotechnology and biochemical processes, control processes, and process biomedical knowledge. They create and maintain reaction and substance databases. They perform computer-aided syntheses and evaluate sensor or optical data using pattern recognition and artificial intelligence methods. They use robotics for automation.

The following additional employment alternatives are available for the profession of bioinformatician: In the field of scientific research, they can work as a Biotechnology Engineer. Their commonality is investigating biological processes using information technology methods. In the field of software development, they can also work as a Systems Scientist. Their commonalities include using knowledge from software technology, developing databases and user interfaces, and preparing and evaluating data. Note: The mentioned job alternatives may require a longer training period or additional qualification, depending on the specific case.

Bioinformaticians process data from biological processes and structures using information technology. They work interdisciplinarily at the interface between life sciences (biology, chemistry, medicine) and computer science. From deciphering genetic material to biotechnology, bioinformaticians are involved. Bioinformatics includes not only the analysis of biological data, such as information about a gene, an organism, or even an entire ecosystem, but also the preparation of biological information and making predictions. This is achieved through database applications, data integration, analysis programs, image processing and visualization, modeling, and the simulation of biological and chemical processes. This also includes the use of so-called neural networks, which are information-processing systems consisting of many interconnected units. Bioinformatics is used, for example, in deciphering genetic material.

The following abilities, knowledge, and skills are required for performing possible activities in this academic profession. Abilities include numerical (computational) thinking (e.g., applying mathematical methods in software development), figural-spatial thinking (e.g., developing software for visualization and 3D simulation of biochemical processes), and technical understanding (e.g., developing robotic systems for automating screening procedures). The ability to plan and organize (e.g., leading IT projects; planning employee deployment) is also important. Knowledge and skills include computational skills (e.g., calculating sequence similarity and edit distance).

The exercise of the profession may entail the following physical requirements. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Fine motor skills of the hands and fingers (e.g., performing extensive programming work on the computer), near vision - even corrected (e.g., working on the screen with databases, programming languages, image processing and visualization programs), color vision (e.g., assigning and recognizing different color codings of molecular structures), spatial vision (e.g., recognizing three-dimensional structures on the screen or in VR glasses), hearing and speech comprehension (e.g., understanding queries from users, customers, or employees) are required. Note: This information does not form a basis for legal action and should not be understood in the sense of a medical fitness assessment. Actual physical fitness or unfitness must always be assessed on a case-by-case basis and taking into account.

The following professions or activities are similar to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants who cannot find a vacant position in their learned profession. In addition, employers can consider specialists in these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the original profession. Some alternative professions only cover partial activities of the original profession, while others require an induction period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of bioinformatician: For the overall activity (usually short induction): Computer Scientist. For partial activities and professional application possibilities (with/without induction): IT Manager, Software Development Manager, Software Architect, Software Developer. In related professions: Computer Scientist.

The profession of a Bioinformatician is not regulated. Therefore, no professional recognition is necessary to work in this profession with a qualification acquired abroad. However, it is possible to apply for an individual certificate evaluation for foreign university degrees through the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB). This can be helpful for applications in the German labor market. Further information on living and working in Germany can be found via the 'Hotline Arbeiten und Leben in Deutschland' – a central information hotline of the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA), 'Für Menschen aus dem Ausland' – an information offer from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, and 'Make it in Germany' – the welcome portal of the skilled workers initiative for international skilled workers.

The following health limitations could lead to problems when performing the profession. These statements do not necessarily apply to every job profile or every possible professional application. Increasingly, there are also ways to compensate for limitations, for example, through technical aids. Examples include: restricted fine motor skills of the hands and fingers (e.g., performing extensive programming work on the computer), uncorrectable visual impairment for near vision (e.g., working on a screen with databases, programming languages, image processing, and visualization programs), color vision deficiencies (e.g., assigning and recognizing different color codings of molecule structures), absent/impaired spatial vision (e.g., recognizing three-dimensional structures on a screen or in VR glasses), hearing impairment, hard of hearing, deafness, hearing disorder, chronic ear ailments (e.g., understanding follow-up questions from users, customers, or employees).

The following alternative staffing options are available for the profession of a Bioinformatician from an employer's perspective: In the field of scientific research, a Biotechnological Engineer. Commonality: examining biological processes using information technology methods. In the field of software development, a System Scientist. Commonality: applying knowledge from software technology, developing databases and user interfaces, preparing and evaluating data. Please note: The mentioned alternative staffing options may require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases.