Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles
Bioinformatics
Computers are playing an essential role in changing our understanding of all levels of biological organization. Bioinformatics addresses the unique issues presented by applying computers to biological systems. The use of computational approaches in biology has led to new insights into the most basic and oldest questions in biology. All of these advances have led to new opportunities to do leading-edge science and many career opportunities.
Key Skills & Knowledge
Problem-solving - Defining and solving problems; Approaching topics and problems from various perspectives; Analyzing multiple dimensions of a problem; Decision making skills; Advanced quantitative abilities; Trouble shooting
Research - Collection, analysis and interpretation of data; Organizing vast amounts of data and research results; Creative and logical thinking
Analytical and critical thinking - Synthesize complex information; logical reasoning; critical thinking; in-depth knowledge of biological theory; understanding of scientific method of inquiry.
Technical - Aptitude for computer languages and programming; Database management; ; Computer programming; Operate scientific/ laboratory equipment and instruments; understand laboratory process.
Verbal and written communication - Ability to summarize, condense and organize ideas and information; Ability to articulate, explain, and teach technical information to others
Sample Job Titles
Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo
- Agricultural Inspector
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Bioinformatics Technician
- Biologist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biostatistician
- Biotechnologist
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Computer Programmers
- Ecologist
- Geographic Information Systems Technician
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologist
- Informatics Nurse Specialist
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Technology Project Manager
- Medical Equipment Repairer
- Medical Records and Health Information Technician
- Molecular and Cellular Biologist
- Software Developers, Applications
- Statistician
- Toxicologist
Potential Industries
- Biotechnology Company Research and Development Laboratories
- Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
- Conservation Organizations
- Environmental and Engineering Consulting Firms
- Federal, Provincial and Local Government Departments and Agencies
- Financial Institutions
- Food Processors
- Forestry Companies
- Governments
- Health and Educational Schools
- Hospitals
- Law Firms
- Manufacturers of Agricultural Products
- Market Research Companies
- Medical and Educational Research Agencies
- Medical and Veterinary Research Organizations
- Medical Equipment and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
- Medical Institutions
- Natural Resource Companies
- Oil and Gas Companies
- Paper Manufacturers
- Research Institutions
- Science and Engineering Consulting Firms
- Statistics Canada
- Universities and Colleges
- University Research Laboratories
- Utility Industries
- Venture Capital Firms
Associations & Professional Development
- Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB)
- Bioinformatics and Bioengineering Technical Committee (BBTC)
- Bioinformatics Organization
- British Society for Cell Biology
- Canadian Society of Plant Biologists
- CIPS Alberta - Canadian Information Processing Society
- Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA)
- International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB)
- International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB)
- Molecular Graphics and Modelling Society (MGMS)
- World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists
Additional Resources
Did You Know?
Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development. These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work. Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.
Key Contacts
Faculty Contact
Room G503, O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences
3330 Hospital Drive NW
T: 403.220.3751
E: bhsc@ucalgary.ca
W: cumming.ucalgary.ca/bhsc
Career Services
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/careers
