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Bioinformatics Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$84K - $104K/yr

This role combines deep expertise in computational biology with strong software engineering and organizational leadership to design, implement, govern, and scale bioinformatics platforms that support ...

Bioinformatics Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$39K

$118.9K

$216.5K

How much do bioinformatics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for bioinformatics engineer in Tennessee is $118,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Bioinformatics Engineer?

A Bioinformatics Engineer is a professional who combines expertise in computer science, statistics, and biology to develop software tools and algorithms for analyzing biological data. They often work with large datasets such as genomic sequences, protein structures, and clinical information to help scientists make sense of complex biological systems. Their work is essential in fields like genomics, personalized medicine, and drug discovery, where managing and interpreting vast amounts of data is crucial. Bioinformatics Engineers may also collaborate with researchers to design experiments and interpret results, bridging the gap between biology and technology.

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

To thrive as a Bioinformatics Engineer, you need a strong background in biology, computer science, and statistics, often supported by a degree in bioinformatics or a related field. Experience with programming languages such as Python or R, familiarity with databases, and knowledge of tools like BLAST, Bioconductor, or next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis platforms are typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and convey complex findings. These skills and qualifications are essential for efficiently analyzing biological data, developing robust computational tools, and advancing research in genomics and life sciences.

What Is Bioinformatics Engineering?

A bioinformatics engineer uses various methods for the analysis of complex biological data such as gene sequence and protein absorption. In this career, your job duties include performing detailed data analysis, developing data queries, and presenting your results back to the research team. The qualifications needed for a career as a bioinformatics engineer include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, statistics, computer science, or mathematics. Some employers prefer a master’s degree as well. You also need strong analytical skills and a good understanding of the biosciences.

What are some common challenges faced by Bioinformatics Engineers when integrating new data sources into existing pipelines?

Bioinformatics Engineers often encounter challenges such as data format inconsistencies, varying quality of datasets, and the need to ensure compatibility with existing analysis pipelines. Integrating new data sources may require custom scripts or tools for parsing and preprocessing, as well as thorough validation to maintain reproducibility and reliability of results. Collaboration with wet-lab scientists and software engineers is essential to clarify data requirements and streamline the integration process.

What is the difference between Bioinformatics Engineer vs Bioinformatics Analyst?

AspectBioinformatics EngineerBioinformatics Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Bioinformatics, Biology, or related fields; data analysis skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firmsResearch institutions, healthcare organizations, biotech companies
Employer & Industry UsageDevelops tools, pipelines, and software for biological data analysisInterprets data, performs statistical analysis, and reports findings

While both roles require a background in bioinformatics and involve working with biological data, Bioinformatics Engineers focus on developing software and tools, whereas Bioinformatics Analysts primarily analyze and interpret data to support research and decision-making.

What are popular job titles related to Bioinformatics Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Bioinformatics Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Bioinformatics Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,946 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Bioinformatics Analyst, Senior

Bioinformatics Analyst, Senior

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 hours ago


Vanderbilt University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Senior Bioinformatics Analyst is part of the Creative Data Solutions (CDS) Shared Resource at Vanderbilt University and serves as a senior-level contributor responsible for leading bioinformatics analyses of genomic data sets, developing and implementing advanced transcriptomic statistical models, and directing research studies. This position requires that the ideal candidate will have extensive experience in analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data, including next-generation sequencing data, and deep expertise in statistical analysis methods involved with such data. The candidate should demonstrate leadership capabilities, mentor junior team members, and possess exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Reporting directly to the Director of CDS, the Senior Bioinformatics Analyst will lead collaborations with investigators throughout the Vanderbilt community on multiple complex projects simultaneously.
About the Work Unit:
Creative Data Solutions (CDS), a Vanderbilt University Shared Resource, provides informatics and bioinformatics services to investigators in the fields of academic and clinical research, with an emphasis on life sciences. CDS blends modern data science approaches with robust software and database engineering to provide practical solutions to problems and challenges faced by research investigators in a timely and cost-effective fashion.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
  • Acts as a specialist in the analysis and interpretation of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data sets using advanced bioinformatics tools and methods. Modalities include both bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq, DNA-Seq, chromatin binding analysis (CUT&RUN, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, etc.), spatial transcriptomics (10X Visium/HD, Nanopore GeoMX), and ad hoc bioinformatics.
  • Designs and develop complex sophisticated statistical models.
  • Leads the design and execution of research studies involving genomic and transcriptomic data.
  • Directs groups to conduct collaborative efforts with team members to interpret and present research findings.
  • Maintains expertise in the latest developments in bioinformatics, genomics, and transcriptomics.
  • Architects and maintain robust pipelines for processing and analyzing large-scale genomic data sets.
  • Supervises and coordinates with bioinformatics and laboratory personnel to ensure the quality and accuracy of genomic data.
  • Leads the interpretation and visualization of genomic data and prepares comprehensive reports and presentations for research studies and publications.
  • Drives the development of novel analytical methods and techniques for genomic data analysis.
  • Provides strategic bioinformatics leadership for clinical studies and trials involving genomic data.
  • Leads the development and implementation of data management and sharing policies for genomic data.
  • Mentors and trains team members and collaborators on advanced bioinformatics tools and methods.
  • Represents the organization at scientific conferences, workshops, and training programs to maintain cutting-edge knowledge in bioinformatics, genomics, and transcriptomics.
  • Coordinates externally with partners and stakeholders, such as academic and industry researchers, regulatory agencies, and patient advocacy groups, on research projects and initiatives.
  • Handles project timelines, resource allocation, and deliverable quality across multiple concurrent projects, while auditing processes to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Supervisory Relationships:
  • This position does not have supervisory responsibilities; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of CDS.

Education and Certifications:
  • Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, statistics, or a related field is required with at least 8 or more years of experience

Experience and Skills:
  • Post-doctoral experience or skill is preferred.
  • Experience with BioVU would be an added benefit.
  • Experience with long read RNA-Seq would be a strong advantage.
  • Background or experience in bioinformatics and a strong understanding of statistics is required.
  • Proficiency in programming languages R and Python
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis methods for genomic data, including GWAS, rare variant analysis, and eQTL analysis.
  • Familiarity with common bioinformatics tools and databases, such as Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser, and dbGaP.
  • Familiarity with HPC and cloud computing infrastructure.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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