Computational Biologist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Computational Biologist salary lies between USD 108,000 and USD 174,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Computational Biologist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Computational Biologist job listings are Biology, Python and Research. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Biology | 62 jobs Python | 60 jobs Research | 60 jobs R | 57 jobs Bioinformatics | 56 jobs PhD | 45 jobs Machine Learning | 44 jobs Statistics | 44 jobs Data analysis | 44 jobs Drug discovery | 30 jobs Computer Science | 24 jobs Engineering | 21 jobs Pharma | 20 jobs Pipelines | 16 jobs Agile | 13 jobs R&D | 13 jobs Chemistry | 12 jobs Deep Learning | 11 jobs PyTorch | 11 jobs Data visualization | 11 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Computational Biologist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Computational Biologist job listings are Career development, Health care and Conferences. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 49 jobs Health care | 25 jobs Conferences | 16 jobs Equity / stock options | 14 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Startup environment | 14 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Medical leave | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 12 jobs Competitive pay | 10 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Insurance | 5 jobs Flex vacation | 4 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Computational Biologist in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options can be substantial, often making up a significant portion of the total compensation. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living or in smaller companies, the base salary might be more dominant, with smaller bonuses and fewer stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, biotech companies might offer different compensation structures compared to tech giants or startups.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Data Scientist, AI/ML Lead, or transitioning into management positions like Director of Data Science. Gaining expertise in high-demand areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, or big data analytics can also make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing research can enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, negotiating skills are crucial; understanding your market value and effectively communicating your contributions can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in AI/ML/Data Science for Computational Biologists require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or Data Science. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive roles or positions in academia. The educational background should ideally include a strong foundation in biology, statistics, and computer science, with coursework or experience in machine learning and data analysis.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile. Certificates in machine learning from platforms like Coursera (e.g., Andrew Ng's Machine Learning course), edX, or Udacity can be beneficial. Certifications in specific tools or languages, such as Python, R, or TensorFlow, can also be advantageous. Additionally, certifications in data science methodologies or bioinformatics tools can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and expertise in the field.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with several years of experience in computational biology or a related field. Experience in applying machine learning techniques to biological data is highly valued. Practical experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, and proficiency in programming languages like Python or R is often required. Experience in collaborative projects, especially those that involve cross-disciplinary teams, can also be a significant advantage.

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