Level 7 (at end of programme)
30 months maximum duration
£18,000 funding band maximum available through the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers that do not pay the Levy will fund 5% of the funding band maximum.
Level 7 Bioinformatics Scientist (Degree)
Specialists who use computational, data analytical and data mining techniques which are applied to a range of problems in the life sciences.
Occupational summary
Bioinformatics Scientists collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to support life science experiments from design through data analysis and biological interpretation. They will develop and implement plans for data storage and management, including annotation, metadata, and use of public or local databases, while considering legal, ethical, and confidentiality requirements. They will critically evaluate raw data, select appropriate computational methods, build or adapt analytical pipelines and algorithms, and interpret results within experimental and broader biological contexts. All data handling will adhere to commercial, regulatory, and intellectual property standards. They will communicate findings clearly to scientific peers, contribute to publications and presentations, and support the development of others through supervision and training.
Typical jobs include: Bioinformatics Scientist, Bioinformatician, Bioinformatics Analyst, Bioinformatics Engineer, Bioinformatics Technician, Computational Biologist, and Biostatistician.
Knowledge:
Bioinformatics scientists will develop expertise in life science research, including core experimental and data-generating technologies, big data approaches, and interdisciplinary methods. They will understand the technical and biological assumptions affecting data quality, and the responsibilities of handling scientific data in regulated environments. This includes ethical and legal considerations such as GDPR, intellectual property, and data governance. They will be proficient in retrieving, integrating, analysing, and visualising biological data using bioinformatics tools, algorithms, statistical methods, machine learning, and relevant programming languages. Knowledge of database design, HPC/cloud computing platforms, version control, and software licensing is essential. Scientists will also understand ontologies, data architecture, and how to communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences using collaborative communication strategies.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Bioinformatics scientist (degree) / Skills England
Skills:
Bioinformatics Scientists will demonstrate the ability to collaborate across disciplines to design experiments that produce high-quality, analysable data. They will guide data generation, assess data quality, define metadata, and implement suitable storage and database solutions, including cloud infrastructure. They will manage data ethically and legally, curate it using metadata and ontologies, and automate tasks through programming or workflow tools. Bioinformatics Scientists will perform quality control, select and apply appropriate analytical methods, and build or adapt pipelines and algorithms. They will document processes to scientific and regulatory standards, interpret results in biological context, integrate external data where relevant, and clearly communicate findings to varied audiences. They will also mentor colleagues, work effectively within teams, and manage their time efficiently.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Bioinformatics scientist (degree) / Skills England
Behaviours:
Bioinformatics Scientists will display professional standards in ethics, scientific integrity, legal compliance, intellectual property, confidentiality, and health and safety. They will commit to continuous learning to stay current with scientific and technical developments, ensuring their analyses remain relevant and effective. They will remain aware of advances in the broader scientific landscape that offer opportunities for growth. Bioinformatics Scientists will understand the wider context in which research operates – policy, societal, economic and environmental – and reflect this in their professional practice. They will demonstrate enthusiasm, self-awareness, empathy, and reliability, while showing perseverance, integrity, and the willingness to lead, mentor, and raise concerns where needed.
View the full occupational standard held by Skills England here: Bioinformatics scientist (degree) / Skills England
Entry requirements
- Employers have discretion to set their own entry criteria to this programme, but candidates typically already hold a degree in a life science or data science subject.
Progression routes
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
Next steps
This programme starts in TBC
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