What is the Job all about?
Bioinformatics is the intersection of biology and computer technology, focused on managing and analyzing biological data. This field leverages computers to gather, store, analyze, and integrate biological and genetic information. Such data is crucial in gene-based drug discovery and development, especially given the surge in genomic information made publicly available through projects like the Human Genome Project. The primary goal of this project was to map the entire human genome, which consists of approximately three billion base pairs. Bioinformatics, which merges molecular biology with computer science, is vital in using this genomic data to understand human diseases and identify new molecular targets for drug discovery.
Can I go for it?
If you have a passion for genetics and a strong interest in both biology and mathematics/statistics, combined with a knack for computers, bioinformatics could be the perfect career choice. In experimental molecular biology, bioinformatics techniques such as image and signal processing are employed to extract valuable insights from large sets of raw data. In genetics and genomics, it plays a critical role in sequencing genomes and annotating observed mutations.
Is there a future in this field?
As long as science continues to seek answers to complex questions, there will be a demand for bioinformatics. With continuous advancements in data collection and analysis, coupled with ongoing scientific inquiry, the field offers promising career prospects.
Where do I start?
In Goa:
Start with a background in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) with Computer Science at the graduate level.
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Goa
Outside Goa:
• Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
• The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai
• Loyola College, Chennai
• Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), Chennai
• St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
• Christ College, Bangalore
• Fergusson College, Pune
Employment Avenues
A degree in bioinformatics also opens doors to various related fields. Additionally, there is a high demand for teachers in this field, given its importance in educational curricula.
Monies
Reputable firms and research institutes may offer salaries as high as ₹75,000 per month. Government jobs in statistical, analytical, and computational roles typically have a starting pay scale ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹75,000 per month.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024