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Bioinformatics Associate Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Bioinformatics Associate information

See Wisconsin salary details

$49.5K

$205.4K

$403.7K

How much do bioinformatics associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for bioinformatics associate in Wisconsin is $205,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $403,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Bioinformatics Associate Do?

The role of a bioinformatics associate is to perform detailed data analysis in a biology or life sciences research lab. An associate is a staff scientist or researcher, and they have significant responsibilities within the lab structure. They are responsible for conducting information support using primary research as well as developing models using a data algorithm or other analytical tools. A bioinformatics associate uses these to analyze the information and data sets collected in the lab. They may also develop a storage and archiving system so that other researchers can access data sets. Qualifications to become a bioinformatics associate typically include a master’s degree or Ph.D.

What does a Bioinformatics Associate do?

A Bioinformatics Associate is responsible for analyzing and interpreting complex biological data, often using computational tools and software. They work closely with scientists to manage and process large datasets, such as genomic sequences or protein structures. Their tasks may include developing workflows, running bioinformatics pipelines, and helping to visualize and present results. Typically, they support research projects in fields like genomics, molecular biology, and drug development. Bioinformatics Associates play a key role in translating raw biological data into actionable scientific insights.

How does a Bioinformatics Associate typically collaborate with laboratory scientists and data analysts on research projects?

Bioinformatics Associates often serve as a bridge between laboratory scientists and data analysts, translating experimental requirements into computational workflows and helping to interpret complex biological data. They regularly meet with lab teams to discuss project goals, data quality, and analysis strategies, ensuring that bioinformatics approaches align with experimental designs. Collaboration is highly iterative, involving feedback loops to refine analyses based on preliminary findings and to troubleshoot data issues, which helps drive research projects forward efficiently and accurately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bioinformatics Associate, and why are they important?

A Bioinformatics Associate requires a strong background in biology, computer science, and statistics, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools such as BLAST, Python, R, and experience with genomic databases are commonly expected, along with knowledge of data visualization platforms. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals interpret complex data and collaborate with scientific teams. These skills ensure accurate analysis, meaningful insights, and successful contributions to research projects in a rapidly evolving field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bioinformatics jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Bioinformatics jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Bioinformatics Associate jobs in Wisconsin? For Bioinformatics Associate jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Bioinformatics Associate job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $205,371 per year, or $98.7 per hour.
Associate Director, Bioinformatics Operations

Associate Director, Bioinformatics Operations

Exact Sciences

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Exact Sciences rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Help us change lives
At Exact Sciences, we're helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.
Job Description
Position Overview
The Assoc. Director, Bioinformatics is largely self-driven, working in collaboration with others on one or more projects which are extremely complex in scope. The Assoc. Director, Bioinformatics is responsible for successfully leading the planning and execution of projects. This position involves independently making detailed observations, analyzing data that is extremely complex and technical, critically analyzing the data and providing supporting scientific rationale as needed, as well as providing insights into the future direction of the project for successful outcomes. The Assoc. Director, Bioinformatics helps develop the timeline and plan for new assignments/projects. As a technical expert with deep knowledge and thorough understanding of the science, the Assoc. Director, Bioinformatics provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior bioinformatics scientists. Working in a team setting, this role will be involved in Research and Development projects serving as a technical lead and subject matter expert in exploring, researching, and applying new technologies or providing and developing ideas and concepts that enable the discovery of new biological insights, and to improve or develop processes for product development towards development of diagnostic assay products. This position provides leadership to a team of Bioinformatics Associates and/or Scientists by working to define clear and realistic goals and developing a general management view of the project.
Essential Duties
Include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Conduct comprehensive analyses within several product or technology areas and identify problems and discrepancies.
  • Independently develop, plan, and analyze results of experiments within several product or technology areas within defined timelines; effectively present and clearly communicate findings at data meetings, group meetings and project team meetings to inform and enable project progression.
  • Critically analyze research/experimental data, interpret the results, and provide insights into the next steps and the direction of the project for successful outcomes.
  • Contribute towards the development of timeline and plan for new assignments/study/projects.
  • Provide technical guidance to junior scientists in project teams.
  • Manage bench-generated data and bioinformatics outputs within high performance computing (HPC) or cloud computing environment.
  • Determine, utilize, and apply methods or technologies effectively and provide ideas for new techniques, when appropriate.
  • Maintain knowledge of technological industry developments that could assist in completion of an assignment or aid in the development of new processes or procedures.
  • Provide scientific rationale when analyzing and interpreting data and provide technical input and participate in decisions affecting project planning and experimental design.
  • Prepare and provide information and data for scientific abstracts/conferences/project meetings/publication.
  • Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio by implementing innovative and creative ideas to solve problems or improve on current methods.
  • Generate, document, and communicate development plans for critical aspects of a project.
  • Develop research plans and experimental outlines to write experimental protocols and perform laboratory experiments.
  • Prepare detailed technical procedures, protocols, and reports.
  • Evaluate impact of nonconforming data to product or process.
  • Identify and address trends in study data.
  • Prepare and approve written reports.
  • Lead identification of areas for process improvements.
  • Maintain lab notebook in a clear, complete, and consistent manner, following all legal, ISO, and QSR requirements.
  • Prepare reports and documentation providing highly technical analysis or summarization of results, outcomes, next steps, and the future direction of the project to functional leader, technical teams/groups, or project teams.
  • Present results and defend scientific ideas and findings at data meetings, group meetings, project team meetings, and/or departmental meetings; critically evaluate scientific data for its merits; lead meetings and help provide directions as a subject matter expert.
  • Demonstrate success in technical proficiency/knowledge, scientific creativity and rigor, collaboration with others, and independent thought and ability to provide insights and defend scientific ideas.
  • Work on problems of extremely complex scope in which analysis of data requires an evaluation of intangible variables.
  • Exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining solutions.
  • Work on assignments individually and with project team members to meet department and project objectives.
  • Work within project timeframes with successful outcomes on multiple projects and key responsibilities.
  • Act as bioinformatics leader for one or more projects that are complex in scope.
  • Act as subject matter expert in core team and/or cross-functional meetings.
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgement within broadly defined practices and policies in: selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining and interpreting results; analyzing data and presenting findings in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
  • Promote an open, collaborative environment built on trust to foster positive teamwork.
  • Plan, recommend, and lead activities that account for prioritization of organizational and department goals.
  • Supervise staff; including, but not limited to, organize and prioritize work, write/conduct performance reviews, train/develop, and manage work performance.
  • Communicate goals clearly to employees to ensure understanding and success in achieving them.
  • Motivate and inspire employees to do their best work through coaching.
  • Maintain morale and support employee engagement initiatives.
  • Organize, present, and convey complex problems or issues.
  • Communicate clearly and frequently with all levels of the organization; including team members, project team members (core and extended), functional managers, clinical lab, and other stakeholders.
  • Create high quality presentations that effectively communicate and tie into a cohesive story the project status and/or experimental results.
  • Apply strength in performing complex analyses and the ability to present data and recommendations to a variety of audiences throughout an organization.
  • Apply qualitative and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to effectively work on several varied projects at one time, with frequent changing priorities.
  • Demonstrate excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • Apply sound technical knowledge and ability gained through experience and/or learning.
  • Apply previous knowledge and outcomes to new and valuable problems (able to make predictions based on a deep understanding of the fundamental nature of the inputs into a decision or action).
  • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
  • Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
  • Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 90% of a typical working day.
  • Ability to work on a computer and phone simultaneously.
  • Ability to travel 10% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, mathematics, or related field; or Master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, mathematics, or related field plus 4 years of experience in lieu of a PhD; or Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, mathematics, or related field plus 6 years of experience in lieu of PhD.
  • 8+ years of industry or academia experience in bioinformatics.
  • 6+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science or pharmaceutical industry.
  • 3+ years of direct or indirect leadership or management experience.
  • Deep knowledge and thorough understanding of molecular biology and/or biochemistry and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genomics.
  • Demonstrated expertise in product/assay research, design, or development
  • Basic computer skills to include Internet navigation, Email usage, and word processing. Proficient in Microsoft Office to include Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in medical device/IVD, biotech, life science or pharmaceutical industry.
  • Previous experience as a project lead for a team of scientists.
  • 2+ years of direct people leadership and management experience.
  • Experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environment, preferably in a GMP and/or ISO environment.
  • Previous industry experience in product development or technical support.
  • Experience with genomic databases and software.
  • Background containing a substantial amount of bioinformatics work including troubleshooting.
  • Previous experience working in a molecular diagnostics/clinical laboratory setting.

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Salary Range:
$153,000.00 - $259,000.00
The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - WI - Madison on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible.
Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.
Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.
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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
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