Vast Job Opportunities In Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics or computational biology is the use of information technology in the field of molecular biology, or the application of computer technology to the management and analysis of biological data. Here computers are used to gather, store, analyze and merge biological data. It is an emerging interdisciplinary research area and is increasingly being used to improve the quality of life. The ultimate goal of bioinformatics is to uncover the wealth of biological information hidden in the mass of sequence, structure, literature and other biological data and obtain a clearer insight into the fundamental biology of organisms and to use this information to enhance the standard of life for mankind. It’s importance is unlimited in the genomic era (genome is the complex molecular chains that constitute each organism’s unique genetic heritage). Bioinformatics could have profound impact in fields as varied as human health, agriculture, the environment, energy and biotechnology to advance biomedical research and development. It is being used now in the areas of molecular medicine to help produce better and more customized medicines to prevent or cure diseases. It has environmental benefits in identifying waste cleanup bacteria and in agriculture. It can be used for producing high yield low maintenance crops. These are just a few of the many benefits bioinformatics can offer. The career prospects in the field has been steadily increasing with more and more use of information technology in the field of molecular biology. Job prospects are in all sectors of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, in research institutions, hospital and industry.

Eligibility Criteria

A course in bioinformatics is suitable for those with a graduation or post-graduation in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, pharmacy, veterinary sciences, physics, mathematics, and also engineers, IT professionals, PhDs and medicos. Programs at different levels are available in the field such as B.Tech, Master Degree, Advanced Diploma and M.Tech. Study of Bioinformatics begins at the undergraduate level. The basic educational qualification to enter a program in Bioinformatics is 10+2 completed with science as the subject.

Job Prospects

The career prospects in Bioinformatics has been steadily increasing with more and more use of information technology in the field of molecular biology. Job prospects are in all sectors of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, in research institutions, hospital and industry. Some of the specific career areas that fall within the scope of bioinformatics include Sequence assembly, Database design and maintenance, Sequence analysis, Proteomics (study of protein, particularly their structures and functions), Pharmacogenomics, Pharma-cology, Clinical pharmacologist, Informatics developer; Computational chemist, Bio-analytics and Analytics etc. One can find work in Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies where bioinformatics technologies are applied throughout the drug discovery process. One can also take up teaching jobs in public institutions if you have a skill in teaching. Indian companies like Satyam, Wipro, TCS, Reliance etc and companies such as Silicon Genetics, Accelrys and IBM Life Sciences Pubgene, Tessella are recruiting bioinformatics candidates, because it has made a substantial new market for IT infrastructure.

Remuneration

A postgraduate joining a private sector pharmaceutical company can expect to get a salary in the range of Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. Those employed in government research can start on a bigger scale along with government allowances.

Institutes

*          Guru Nanak Girls College, Ludhiana, 0161 – 2423872

*          Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharam College, Chandigarh, 0172 – 4912400

*          DAV College Chandigarh, 0172 – 2743980

*          Career Education Group, Kota, Rajasthan, 0744 – 2411883

*          VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 0416 – 2243091

*          SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai,044 – 30603042

Institute in Himachal

*          Shoolini University, Solan, 01792 – 654035

Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘Divya Himachal TV’. Also,  Download our Android App