Clinical bioinformatics (genomics)

Healthcare science staff working in clinical bioinformatics use computer science and data to improve the way biological samples are acquired, organised and analysed.

Clinical bioinformaticians who specialise in genomics help clinicians decide on the best treatment for a patient based on their genetic make-up.

Life as a clinical bioinformatician in genomics

Your background will be in biology, computer science, statistics or informatics and your work will involve a mix of computing, biology and medicine. 

You’ll apply bioinformatics resources, such as databases and online tools, to problems in genetics and genomics, using programming and data analysis skills.

It will be your responsibility to ensure data received and generated by the laboratory is used in an efficient, standardised, secure and accurate manner using leading edge technologies that adheres to information governance standards.

You’ll be involved in developing services such as designing databases, generating programs to automate analysis, or creating next generation sequencing pipelines.

You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside a wide range of healthcare professionals and external software and database suppliers. 

Clinical bioinformatics in genomics covers a number of different areas, and you’ll find that no two days at work are the same. 

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How much can I earn?

You’ll be employed on a national pay and conditions system called Agenda for Change (AfC).

There are nine pay bands and below are examples of the pay band you’ll be on, depending on your role within clinical bioinformatics (genomics).

  • Healthcare science assistant – B2/3
  • Healthcare science associate – B4
  • Healthcare science practitioner – B5
  • Clinical scientist – B6/7/8a
  • Consultant clinical scientist – B8a-d

How about the benefits?

  • make a difference
  • flexible and part-time working
  • high income early in your career
  • work anywhere in the world
  • excellent pension scheme
  • good holiday entitlement
  • NHS discounts in shops and restaurants

Nana Mensah

Trainee clinical scientist (bioinformatics – genomics)

We use technical skills to manage, process and analyse clinical data across the health service.

Read Nana's story

Must-have skills

  • excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, patients and their families
  • emotional resilience, a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure  
  • teamwork and the capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams  
  • problem-solving and diagnostic skills  
  • outstanding organisational ability and effective decision-making skills  
  • first-class time and resource management for the benefit of patients

Entry requirements

There are several different ways to start your career in clinical bioinformatics (genomics), depending on your experience and qualifications.

  • You could look for an entry level job/level 2 apprenticeship – typically GCSEs 9-4/A-C in maths, English and a science.
  • If an apprenticeship feels right for you, you’ll need 5 GCSEs at 9-4/A-C (or equivalent) including maths, English and science or Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science to start a level 4 apprenticeship
  • An associate practitioner role is another route to a career in biomedical science. You’ll likely require foundation degree, or equivalent experience with training and experience to NVQ level 3
  • A level 6 apprenticeship or degree course require relevant level 3 qualifications e.g. 3 A levels (including at least one science subject) or Access to HE course
  • To start the Scientist Training Programme, you’ll need a 1st or 2:1 in relevant first degree or relevant higher degree and 2:2 in any subject
  • Higher Specialist Scientist Training is available for registered clinical scientists or senior biomedical scientists with relevant MSc or specialist diploma

How to become a clinical scientist in clinical bioinformatics (genomics)

Starting your career in clinical bioinformatics (genomics)  might be easier than you think. You could undertake study at university or find an apprenticeship that takes you straight into a job.  

There are assistant or level 2 apprenticeships, associate practitioner roles, level 4 apprenticeships. If you’re already a registered and experienced healthcare scientist, there are degrees, Master’s degrees and Higher Specialist Scientist Training.  

See our How to become a healthcare science professional page for the details.

Where a career in clinical bioinformatics (genomics) will take you

As you gain experience, and with further training, you’ll be able to apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research and teaching.

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