Training in Bioinformatics
Want to become an expert in Bioinformatics?
To put it in plain and simple terms, Bioinformatics is nothing but the use of computers in the management of data related to the biological life forms around us. By bringing computers in the picture, the storage, processing, analysis, management and retrieval of huge volumes of data becomes easier for incorporating in every day research and findings. When applied to human beings, bioinformatics can be pretty useful in supporting efforts related to gene-based drug discovery. When applied to wildlife, it could mean handling data and genetic information about various wildlife species, their conservation genetics and biodiversity data connected to species and regions.
Extra information about Bioinformatics jobs
So what will be the first criteria to apply for Bioinformatics jobs?
Since bioinformatics is all about use of computers and managing large volumes of data on them, the first criteria that you will need to fulfill is a high degree of expertise in managing databases on various types of Computers. Since your job would be to assist scientists in managing, processing and analyzing genomic and molecular data, you should have sufficient skills and tools to build and maintain databases that contain important research information. Moreover, you should also be able to create or choose appropriate algorithms to process, analyze, visualize, and interpret the data as and when required.
Here is a look at the set of tasks that you will be required to carry as a Bioinformatics expert:
1. Build databases to store information
2. Write scripts to analyze the stored information
3. Write queries to retrieve the stored information as and when required
4. Use data mining techniques to extract data
5. Use statistical software to publish data analysis results
6. Use computer programming skills to extend capabilities of software packages & web tools
7. Use the same skills to enhance capabilities of databases and database queries
8. Process data-sets to auto-enter them into databases
9. Run tests to verify the integrity of data entered
10. Verify the quality of analysis outputs
11. Make sure that the algorithms and methods used are sufficient and suitable for the task
Since the role of a bioinformatics expert is a vital part of the research procedure, their work does not just end at the culmination of above mentioned points. As a bioinformatics expert, you may be asked time and time to assist in the preparation of search reports and scientific journal articles as well.