Forum:Any tips in landing a bioinformatic job?

Question

[Jorge]

Hello everyone.

As a biostatistician and bioinformatician, I have been trying to find a job for a while. However, I am still hopeful and excited to improve my skills in the field. While I continue my job search, I am interested in finding projects that I can work on to enhance my knowledge and experience.

I am passionate about biostatistics and bioinformatics and I believe that these fields are essential for advancing medical research and improving human health. My Master's degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, combined with my experience as a nurse, have equipped me with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to any project or team.

I am a happy individual and thrive in team environments. I am always willing to learn and take on new challenges, and I believe that my eagerness to learn, combined with my previous experience and education, make me a strong candidate for any position or project.

In conclusion, I am actively seeking job opportunities in biostatistics and bioinformatics, but I am also open to taking on projects that will allow me to improve my skills and gain more experience in the field. I am excited about the future and look forward to contributing to the scientific community in any way possible.

If someone can reach me about some jobs or projects I would really appreciate it.

Answer 1

[LauferVA]

Do you have a public facing github page (or equivalent) that provides examples of bioinformatics workflows you've created?

For myself, if possible, I like to streamline the process of screening by making sure the applicant is actually technically capable enough to do the job - if so, can do an interview to see if its a good fit.

the simplest way to make that easy for a prospective employer is to have open sourced examples of things you made. when I am looking at this kind of thing i dont need to see deep understanding of concepts (of course thats a bonus), but what i want to see is:

• can handle messy data
• can work in a variety of languages (to me, if you can use several languages you are likely to be able to get something done even if you hit a snag)
• can write accurate, well-written code
• familiar with version controlling
• takes time to write documentation
• depending on the role, statistical competence, but i usually wait till the interview to assess

if i can see that, i would absolutely offer the interview - at that point im confident you can do the job i just need to see if we can work together.

good luck!!!!!!

[ATpoint]

Great answer, narrowing it down the the key points!

[LauferVA]

thank you ATpoint ! means a lot coming from a veteran :-)

[Jorge]

I'll work around that. In my Github I only have the last project i created. A package to manage health data and to predict patient demands. But i understand your point. I'll make myself a portfolio.

Thank for the tips!

[LauferVA]

This is getting a bit in the weeds, but if you are going to retrofit prior work, or build something new considering making something like a Docker Image that instantiates a useable bioinformatics pipeline.

There are a couple benefits here. 1) You can start with, and build upon, an existing Docker Image, such as this image of GATK. 2) An employer could potentially download your workflow and see that it actually works. 3) They will know you are familiar with techniques that maximize re-usability of code.

Of course this is by no means the only way forward. Just a thought.

Answer 2

[Carambakaracho]

The first job is a nightmare and you will need some luck. I understand you're looking for an industry offering. Unfortunately I've worked only in West and Centralwest Europe, so I can only give recommendations for up here. In case you're open to relocate, you could try some of the life science hubs in like Basel (Novartis, Roche, Syngenta) for example. There's Paris (insane cost of living as far as I'm concerned), Lyon or Frankfurt with Sanofi, Merck, Bayer and others (BIg Pharma by sales), or companies like BioMérieux, or mixed corporations like Danaher, Evonik, etc.

Personnally I'd prefer small companies, so maybe you get lucky with a company from this list, based on your location, in Spain?

[Jorge]

Yeah, I'm from Spain, from Galicia to be precise. The problem with that list is that many of the jobs require a relocation so It's hard when i have a child coming.

But thank for the tips! I really appreciate it.

Answer 3

[iraun]

Hi Jorge!

In addition to what has already been said, I found my first bioinformatics job in Spain (Barcelona), using this webpage: https://www.bioinformaticsbarcelona.eu/job-offers/ . I can see that there are at the moment several bioinformatics positions opened, so I recommend you to start applying, and see how it goes. It is always good to train yourself to face interviews, learn what skills they are asking for... etc. By that time when I was looking for my first job, I also took several courses in coursera to complete my skill set. Good luck!

Answer 4

[zhousun21]

Since you are just starting out, I suggest sending your resume to a few recruiters who specialize in science placements. They will interview you on the phone and ask specific questions.

Good luck, and welcome!

[Jorge]

Do you know where I can find any recruiter that specialize in science placements?

Thanks!

[LauferVA]

There are definitely some on LinkedIn. I would give a recommendation but have not worked with any directly.

Do any of your prior contacts currently hold positions in the private sector? Especially if in a managerial role, they are likely to know some.

Good luck Jorge!