Bioinformatics specialists are involved in all aspects of collecting, assembling and analyzing the staggering quantities of information that are being generated by the human genome projects, as well as genome projects for other animals, plants and disease-causing microorganisms. The genetic information carried within us is the key to understanding how we function in health, and what goes wrong when we suffer disease; why one patient will respond well to a certain drug while another will have debilitating side-effects; and in identifying the best "molecular targets" to zero in on when designing agents to fight infecting bacteria or viruses.

Bioinformatics specialists must acquire an eclectic background, an eclectic blend of molecular biology, chemistry, and computer science. They work in close collaboration with bench scientists, helping them to plan and organize experiments and data collection so as to maximize the production of reliable and useful information. They are found in academic, government and industrial research labs.

There is an unprecedented demand for Bioinformaticists to join the forefront of research areas in industry as well as academic institutions. New Jersey is a hub for the bio-pharmaceutical industry. UMDNJ is particularly well suited for a Bioinformatics program since it is located within a short distance from companies that have high priority programs in Bioinformatics.

See what we're doing about Bioinformatics at UMDNJ