Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#1

Post by bioweek » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 9:26 PM UTC

I've been doing web application development (and general programming) for almost 10 years now. I've also done a lot database design, working with very large databases, and optimizing queries, etc. But I have no biology experience.

I've always wanted to work with new biological technologies, for example figuring out what genes do, or how proteins fold, or anything cool like that where I can increase the world's knowledge.

It seems to me that a good programmer would be useful for these types of jobs. Does anyone have advice for how to enact this career shift?

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#2

Post by gurraman » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 9:47 PM UTC

I had the exact same desire about a year ago; I was bored with web development and wanted to learn a new discipline (I never went through with my plans though, so I have no real advice for you). My planned route was to get a formal education at the university. I'm sure there are self-taught bioinformaticians out there, but my perception of the field was that it would be very useful to take at-least a few courses to get into it.

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#3

Post by sganesh » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 9:49 PM UTC

Some of these jobs look like a good place to start in the field.. http://www.bioinformatics.org/jobs/ The best way to get in is to find what these companies are looking for and start honing your skills in that direction.

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#4

Post by gms » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 9:51 PM UTC

Maybe read a textbook on bioinformatics, implement a couple of non-trivial programs/algorithms, and put them on your resume?

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#5

Post by abyssknight » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 9:55 PM UTC

I have a friend who is doing his master's thesis in Bioinformatics. If you like running batch jobs that can run days and fail in the middle, then its a great discipline for you! All kidding aside, the local University might be a good place to start. Often working as a grad student you can learn the books as well as get practical knowledge when working with a mentor. If you're near Orlando, FL I can get you in touch with my friend at UCF.

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#6

Post by khafra » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 10:02 PM UTC

abyssknight wrote: post #5

I have a friend who is doing his master's thesis in Bioinformatics. If you like running batch jobs that can run days and fail in the middle, then its a great discipline for you! All kidding aside, the local University might be a good place to start. Often working as a grad student you can learn the books as well as get practical knowledge when working with a mentor. If you're near Orlando, FL I can get you in touch w…

I keep finding interesting things out about central florida--does Tampa Bay have anything interesting in that area?

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#7

Post by mcgin » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 10:09 PM UTC

Might be worth checking out these guys - http://diybio.org/

See if theres a local group and go along and talk to a few people. I'm sure they'll have some stuff you can get your hands dirty on that will at least get you some experience in the field

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#8

Post by kapauldo » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 10:13 PM UTC

do a search of recently awarded government grants on bioinformatics, particularly small business grants (SBIR). awards are all public, so you should have no problem finding them. contact those folks and just tell them honestly what you are interested in doing (be sure to read their awards first so you have some idea what work they're doing). everyone respects people who are trying to learn new skills, and i think you'll get a lot of warm receptions.

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#9

Post by Mongoose » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 10:15 PM UTC

There are a lot of bioinformatics positions out there that don't require much biology out of the box. Many universities have bioinformatics departments with lots of programming positions. I worked for the past year as a student programmer helping develop and maintain the data entry website for a set of international clinical trials. My superior was a seasoned Unix/Perl hacker who found a niche coordinating the development of clinical studies websites.

Re: Ask HN: How can a Web Developer get into Bioinformatics?

#10

Post by twharris » Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 10:20 PM UTC

You don't need courses solely in bioinformatics. You need a solid foundation in molecular biology and genetics. These will give you the requisite background to speak intelligently about the issues. You can take additional courses in (or read independently) about bioinformatics concurrently.