Forum:How to start my career in Bioinformatics

Question

[Sashi G]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for an opportunity to work as a Bioinformatician.

I had pursued my Bachelors and Masters in Bioinformatics and completed in 2012. But due to some personal reasons i had to give up my career in Bioinformatics and had to choose different one. But still it bothers me for not pursuing my career in Bioinformatics after investing 6 years in studying it.

I'm seeking some useful guidance and suggestions to revamp my career as Bioinformatician and not feel guilt about leaving it in the first place.

I request you guys to help me in brushing up my skills and finding a career in Bioinformatics, by providing some useful insights and articles or work scenarios to strengthen in the field.

Looking forward.

Answer 1

[Michael]

It depends a bit on the type of your career in between. I think as a bioinformatician you will have some additional flexibility to bridge to related fields. In case your intermediate career was in a related field, like computer science, data science, or biology, you could directly apply to positions that require a MSc. in bioinformatics or a related field. You might interpret your career path as providing additional practical work experience. If not, you could at least attempt to demonstrate that you have kept yourself updated in bioinformatics via completing some courses. You could also apply to PhD positions. Even if your occupation was in a completely different field, the following still applies. Try to send out many applications (that is the key step to being hired in any case) and get feed-back on your CV from others. Some public employers like universities might even be obliged to send you a an evaluation report of all applicants upon request. Make sure to produce a well-written cover letter that is specific for the position announced and also addresses your fit with the position and outlines a reasonable motivation to apply.

Good luck.

[Kevin Blighe]

I agree. I would edit your CV to emphasise your bioinformatics skills and then start to apply for jobs. You would have to apply to 'Analyst'-type jobs, which are effectively entry-level in Bioinformatics. Ironically, from what I can gauge, some companies will be happier to bring in an MSc-level bioinformatician as opposed to a PhD-level bioinformatician, depending on the role, of course.

You will need a cover letter, too, to justify why you want to go back into Bioinformatics. You don't have to explain why you left, originally - just say 'personal matter'.

Also, job availability differs depending on your location, of course, and whether or not you can move.

[Sashi G]

Thank you Kevin Blighe.

People responding to my post is really giving me a positive vibe and your suggestion is valuable.

[Sashi G]

Thanks Micheal Dondrup for your wise suggestion. I really appreciate for the time and consideration you have given to reply my query.

I'm now working as a Software developer (Android Applications) for almost 4 years and with this expertise i think there wont be any position available in Bioinformatics field (please correct me if I'm wrong). I should be looking in a path for pursuing some latest courses and be up to date and try to practice with current technologies and principles which produce a quality output for current problems.

If it is not asking too much of you, would you suggest any course or path with my current expertise into consideration.

You really gave me a good picture of my current options, I'm feeling positive of revamping my career.

Thank you, looking forward.

[Ram]

You've been developing software on Android (I'm assuming you use Java). That is quite valuable. The one piece of advice I've found very useful is: play to your strengths. If you're good at building lightweight Java applications or quick responsive UX or asynchronous calls to data sources, highlight how those can benefit bioinformatics. Think about your experience as concepts and what it has taught you about how people like to interact with software. I don't think there are many Android devs in bioinformatics - your perspective would be a fresh take on existing solutions, and you may see angles others have not seen. Keep your enthusiasm up and you'll find your niche - something you love, you're good at and people are willing to pay you for.

[Sashi G]

Hi RamRS, that is a very valuable suggestion 'Playing with my strengths'. I will try to explore the tools and applications used currently in Bioinformatics field and see where i can develop or use my expertise for betterment of it.

I really appreciate your time and suggestion

Thank you. :)

P.S. If you have any suggestion for me to look in particular section of applications, that would be really thank full.