Bioinformatics

What does a bioinformatician do? – Tasks and work environment

A bioinformatician works at the intersection of biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. Common tasks include developing algorithms and tools to handle large amounts of genetic information, as well as analyzing DNA sequences or protein structures. The work is often project-based, in collaboration with researchers and specialists in medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The work environment is typically office-based, with elements of independent work and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams. The primary tools are computers, and assignments can range from academic research to projects within industry and public sector.

Salary development over time

The salary for bioinformaticians has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,700 SEK, rising the following year to 46 700 SEK, which is an increase of about 4.5%. In 2024, the salary continues to rise and now reaches 49 100 SEK per month, representing an additional increase of approximately 5.1% from the previous year. This salary development can partly be explained by the increased demand for bioinformatics skills in both research and industry, especially as biomedical data grows in volume and importance. The educational level in the profession is generally high, contributing to the positive salary trend. Despite the overall increase, some differences between genders and sectors remain.

Bioinformatician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 49 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (male, various sectors)
• Hourly wage (average): 295 SEK
• Women earn: 46 400 SEK (89% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 52,100 SEK
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a bioinformatician, a higher education in biology, computer science, or a related field is usually required, often at the master's level or higher. The education combines biological subjects with programming, statistics, and mathematics. Many bioinformaticians also have experience from research projects or internships where they have developed practical skills in data analysis and programming.

• Formal degree: Master's degree (5 years) in biology, computer science, or bioinformatics
• Courses/certifications: Advanced courses in programming, statistics, machine learning
• Internships: Research internships or trainee programs at universities or companies
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of programming (e.g., Python, R) and biology
• Self-study: Online courses and MOOCs are common supplements

Common benefits and compensations

Bioinformaticians are often offered attractive benefits such as occupational pension, flexible hours, remote work options, and professional development through courses and conferences. Some employers in both public and private sectors also provide wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and insurance as standard. For research-related roles, access to advanced equipment and funding for further training may be included as part of the employment.

Challenges and competition

Despite increasing demand for bioinformatics expertise, competition for the most attractive positions is relatively high, especially within research-intensive environments and larger pharmaceutical companies. Since the profession is specialized, continuous further education is necessary to stay updated on new methods and software. The growing volume of data and rapid technological changes place high demands on problem-solving skills and flexibility. The lack of clear career paths in some parts of the public sector can also be a challenge, as well as the persistent gender pay gap in the field. However, the number of job openings remains significant, with 143 advertised positions at the latest count.

Tips for aspiring bioinformaticians

To succeed as a bioinformatician, it is good to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in both biology and programming. Curiosity makes it easier to keep up with the fast development in biotechnology and data science, while perseverance is needed to solve complex problems and handle large datasets. Building a broad skill profile through participation in research projects or internships provides valuable experience and can enhance job prospects. Communication skills are also important, as results often need to be presented to different audiences. Finally, proactive continuing education and networking within academia and industry are advantageous for staying updated on new tools and methods.

Key facts about bioinformaticians

• Education level: Master's degree or higher, often in biology or computer science
• Work environment: Office-based, often in interdisciplinary teams
• Demand: Approximately 143 job openings in the profession
• Gender distribution: Men earn on average 13% more than women
• Typical employment: Project- or research-based employment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for more specialized roles, such as project manager in bioinformatics, senior data analyst, or research leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Some bioinformaticians choose to deepen their expertise in areas like machine learning, clinical bioinformatics, or sequence analysis. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that, due to limited data, it is difficult to provide an exact outlook for future prospects, but the large number of current job openings suggests continued demand for skills. The job market may vary between regions and sectors, but technological development and increasing data volumes drive demand in both academia and industry.

Frequently asked questions about bioinformaticians

• What is the average salary of a bioinformatician?
  - The average salary for a bioinformatician is 49 100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a bioinformatician?
  - A master's degree in biology, computer science, or bioinformatics is most common.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 46 400 SEK, which corresponds to 89% of men's salary.
• What is the job market like for bioinformaticians?
  - Currently, there are 143 job openings in the profession, indicating strong demand.
• What are the most common work environments for bioinformaticians?
  - Most work in office-based settings within project or research environments, often in interdisciplinary teams.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a bioinformatician?
  - The highest salary is 52,100 SEK (male), the lowest is 41,600 SEK (female, public sector).
• What personal qualities are important for a bioinformatician?
  - Analytical skills, accuracy, and good communication skills are especially important.