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Bioinformatics Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bioinformatics Engineering information

What is the difference between Bioinformatics Engineering vs Bioinformatics Analyst?

AspectBioinformatics EngineeringBioinformatics 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, healthcare institutionsResearch institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & Industry UsageDevelops tools, pipelines, and software for data analysisInterprets data, generates reports, supports research projects

Bioinformatics Engineering focuses on developing software and pipelines for data processing, requiring programming expertise. In contrast, Bioinformatics Analysts primarily interpret data and generate insights, often with a stronger emphasis on biological knowledge. Both roles are vital in biotech and healthcare industries, but they differ in technical scope and daily tasks.

What is a bioinformatics engineer?

A bioinformatics engineer is a professional who develops and applies computational tools and techniques to analyze and interpret biological data, such as DNA sequences or protein structures. They combine expertise in computer science, biology, and mathematics to create software, manage databases, and solve complex biological problems. Bioinformatics engineers often work in research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and biotechnology industries to help advance scientific discoveries and medical innovations.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior bioinformatics engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in programming, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like Python, R, and cloud platforms can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries such as biotech and pharmaceuticals. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership roles, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

Is there a demand for bioengineers?

Bioinformatics engineers are in high demand due to the growth of personalized medicine, genomics, and biotechnology industries. They often work with tools like sequencing technologies and programming languages such as Python or R, and strong analytical skills are essential for success in this field.

How do bioinformatics engineers typically collaborate with biologists and data scientists in a research setting?

Bioinformatics engineers frequently work in cross-disciplinary teams, partnering closely with biologists to understand experimental goals and with data scientists to analyze complex datasets. Effective communication is key, as engineers must translate biological questions into computational workflows and interpret results in a way that is meaningful to non-technical team members. This collaborative approach not only accelerates research but also helps engineers gain a deeper understanding of biological processes, which can lead to more innovative solutions and professional growth.

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 solid background in biology, computer science, and statistics, often supported by a degree in bioinformatics or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or R, experience with bioinformatics tools (e.g., BLAST, GATK), and proficiency with databases and cloud computing platforms are typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills set standout professionals apart in this interdisciplinary field. These competencies are crucial for effectively analyzing complex biological data and driving innovation in life sciences research.

What do bioinformatics engineers do?

Bioinformatics engineers develop and implement computational tools and algorithms to analyze biological data, such as genetic sequences and molecular structures. They often work with programming languages like Python or R, utilize databases, and collaborate with biologists to interpret data for research and medical applications.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior bioinformatics engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in programming, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like Python, R, and cloud platforms can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand biotech or pharmaceutical industries. Such roles often require advanced degrees and leadership responsibilities, with compensation reflecting expertise and impact on research or product development.
What are popular job titles related to Bioinformatics Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Bioinformatics Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Environmental Microbiome Research

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Environmental Microbiome Research

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Environmental Microbiome ResearchAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a team investigating the mechanistic interpretation of microbiome dynamics. This work applies principles of quantitative ecology to systems microbiology, with the goal of strengthening the links between microbial cellular physiology, community dynamics, and ecosystem function.

Our research focuses on plant-microbial interactions for sustainable bioenergy and nutrient cycling, as well as understanding bacterial stress responses under environmental perturbations. The project will involve cultivating environmental bacteria from soil under controlled laboratory conditions and integrating wet-lab microbial ecology with cultivation approaches. Additional work will include imaging-based physiology, molecular and multi-omic workflows, and quantitative and computational analyses of microbial communities.

The successful candidate will also apply statistical modeling for mechanistic inference and conduct biogeographic and geospatial analyses of microbiomes.

This position involves collaborating with scientists and technical staff and leading independent research initiatives in environmental microbiome science. The candidate will be expected to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD in Environmental Engineering or related field.
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating scientific initiative and originality
  • Experience in designing, running, and analyzing data from image-based physiology and single-cell activity profiling

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with cultivation techniques for plant, fungal, or bacterial interaction studies
  • Proven ability to independently design and execute research projects, with strong communication skills demonstrated through scientific presentations and preparation of manuscripts and other written materials.
  • Experience analyzing 'omics datasets (e.g., metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, or metabolomics)
  • Experience conducting biogeographic and geospatial analyses

Department/Program & College Description:

The Iowa State University College of Engineering is dedicated to educating future engineering leaders and advancing research that addresses real-world challenges. The program combines academic rigor, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare graduates to create innovative solutions that benefit society.

Department Unit/Website:
College of Engineering - Iowa State University

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

We request that candidates please explain work-related experience around the topics below within the submitted Cover Letter:


- Experience in designing, running, and analyzing data from image-based physiology and single-cell activity profiling
- Experience in using molecular and multi-omic workflows and quantitative and computational community ecology
- Experience in statistical modeling
- Experience in biogeographic and geospatial analysis of microbiomes
- Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analyses of metabolic pathways, functional gene patterns, and microbial community assembly.

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:October 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:June 22, 2026Posting Close Date:June 29, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19481

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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