Bioinformatics Research ("Dry-Lab")

[vadeem]

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Hello all, bit of a lurker here.
I was offered a position to work on a bioinformatics research project as an assistant, and I was curious to know if these sorts of projects can be considered on the same regard as traditional "wet-lab" research. I'm genuinely interested in the project and I get to learn computer programming as a supplement to my research. The PI also seems very personable and friendly; she offered to take me out to lunch to get to know me better so I would assume that in the long-run I can build a strong relationship with her. Btw, I have no research experience as of now, and I'm a Junior planning to take a gap year. Should I take the position or instead keep looking for a position in a more traditional "wet-lab" project? Thanks!

 

[Lya]

As someone who did comparative genome research (dry lab), I think it is just as important as "wet lab." Learning computer programming and running software can be a very valuable asset, because a lot of pre-meds can do WB or PCR, but not many of them can run legitimate software to analyze large data.

I would say you should go for it if this is something you are interested in and want to pursue. Don't consider research as something where you need to check the box for med school application. If this is really what you want to pursue, pursue it hard.

 

[Koalafied]

Hello all, bit of a lurker here.
I was offered a position to work on a bioinformatics research project as an assistant, and I was curious to know if these sorts of projects can be considered on the same regard as traditional "wet-lab" research. I'm genuinely interested in the project and I get to learn computer programming as a supplement to my research. The PI also seems very personable and friendly; she offered to take me out to lunch to get to know me better so I would assume that in the long-run I can build a strong relationship with her. Btw, I have no research experience as of now, and I'm a Junior planning to take a gap year. Should I take the position or instead keep looking for a position in a more traditional "wet-lab" project? Thanks!

Can you verbally communicate in C++?

 

[gumdrops]

As someone who did comparative genome research (dry lab), I think it is just as important as "wet lab." Learning computer programming and running software can be a very valuable asset, because a lot of pre-meds can do WB or PCR, but not many of them can run legitimate software to analyze large data.

I would say you should go for it if this is something you are interested in and want to pursue. Don't consider research as something where you need to check the box for med school application. If this is really what you want to pursue, pursue it hard.

Honestly, with genomics and bioinformatics approaches being able to pick up much more info from much large data sets than WB or PCR on a few cell lines ever could or will be able to, I'd say to take this and run. You're going to look faaabulous for the research-oriented schools, if that's what you're aiming for. Good luck. 👍

 

[vadeem]

No, I don't have any experience in computer programming but the PI insists that whatever proficiency I need to attain is entirely doable in a reasonable time frame. Anyway, I appreciate the responses! Thank you.

 

[kyamh]

Do what you are interested in! Research is about the process and the mindset. It's about what you learn, not exactly what you do at this stage. Have fun and be enthusiastic!

Personally, I love working with computers and fMRI and am very happy in my "dry-lab". Around here, the worst thing any of my coworkers can imagine is being exiled to a "wet-lab" so it's all about perspective 😀

 

[gumdrops]

Do what you are interested in! Research is about the process and the mindset. It's about what you learn, not exactly what you do at this stage. Have fun and be enthusiastic!

Personally, I love working with computers and fMRI and am very happy in my "dry-lab". Around here, the worst thing any of my coworkers can imagine is being exiled to a "wet-lab" so it's all about perspective 😀

lol, there are so many perks to the "dry lab" lifestyle, along with cranking out sexier papers faster these days. I wish I weren't such a sucky programmer or I would have switched over to "dry lab" work a while ago.

 

[Lil Mick]

Most of my research is "dry lab," and programming can be an invaluable asset in your career. Being the only doc who can fix the software will open doors for unusual clinical experiences of research experiences later on (such as serving as tech support on a medical missions trip...). I applied MD/PhD with mostly software/math/data analysis research, and it was viewed as a positive by most places.

 

[ChienYi]

I am a medical-school applicant who has several gap years before I can get into a medical school (crossing my fingers). I am doing physician-shadowing, along with clinical research at the ER during my gap years. My primary academic interests are in biochemistry and computer science. I was wondering if it'd make me more marketable/competitive as a physician later on if I take some bioinformatics or computer science courses before I go to medical school? Another alternative that I've thought of were Spanish and Latin classes. Any suggestions? Does having a good knowledge of bioinformatics make me more competitive/marketable as a physician once I've finished my training?

 

[Lya]

I am a medical-school applicant who has several gap years before I can get into a medical school (crossing my fingers). I am doing physician-shadowing, along with clinical research at the ER during my gap years. My primary academic interests are in biochemistry and computer science. I was wondering if it'd make me more marketable/competitive as a physician later on if I take some bioinformatics or computer science courses before I go to medical school? Another alternative that I've thought of were Spanish and Latin classes. Any suggestions? Does having a good knowledge of bioinformatics make me more competitive/marketable as a physician once I've finished my training?

Taking courses, alone, will not be much effective. Being fluent in Spanish or doing a project to improve the EMR in hospital using your CS background will be much better, however.

Accomplishments, not your transcript or the years of experiences, make you more marketable. Focus on delivering such results.

 

[DrEnderW]

Don't let anyone tell you a bioinformatics and math/ comp sci background isn't insanely highly valued. Anyone can learn neuroscience or molecular biology. Sounds like an awesome experience I wish I explored.

 

[Narmerguy]

I think bioinformatics is a very respected type of research, and the skills you learn will be highly sought after in the next 10-20 years as managing "big data" becomes more and more important. The entirety of my undergraduate research was spent doing bioinformatics-type research. I would say it has helped me a lot.