Career Path Mapping

Visualize the ladder for your target track — skills required at each step, typical timeline, and next moves.

Bioinformatics

Entry

Bioinformatics Analyst

0-2 years

Skills

• Python
• R
• Linux
• BWA / STAR
• GATK basics

Next moves

→ Reproduce a published RNA-seq analysis
→ Contribute to nf-core

Mid

Bioinformatics Scientist

2-5 years

Skills

• Nextflow / Snakemake
• AWS/GCP
• ML basics
• Variant interpretation

Next moves

→ Own a pipeline in production
→ Publish a preprint

Senior

Senior Computational Biologist

5-10 years

Skills

• Method development
• Grant/writing
• Mentoring
• Cloud architecture

Next moves

→ Lead a cross-team initiative
→ Present at a conference

Lead

Principal Scientist / Director

10+ years

Skills

• Strategy
• Portfolio ownership
• Regulatory
• Team building

Next moves

→ Own product/platform roadmap

Wet lab → Industry

Entry

Research Associate

0-2 years

Skills

• Molecular biology core
• GLP
• ELN/lab notebook
• Communication

Next moves

→ Own an assay end-to-end
→ Cross-train in one adjacent technique

Mid

Scientist I/II

2-6 years

Skills

• Assay development
• DOE
• Cross-functional projects

Next moves

→ Lead a milestone
→ Present internally

Senior

Senior Scientist / Principal

6-12 years

Skills

• Program leadership
• IP awareness
• Mentoring

Next moves

→ Own a program

Lead

Director / VP R&D

12+ years

Skills

• Strategy
• External partnerships

Next moves

→ Build a platform

Clinical research

Entry

Clinical Research Coordinator

0-2 years

Skills

• GCP
• eCRF
• Patient rapport

Next moves

→ Own a trial site's day-to-day

Mid

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

2-5 years

Skills

• Monitoring
• Regulatory
• Vendor mgmt

Next moves

→ Take on 3+ trials

Senior

Senior CRA / Clinical Manager

5-10 years

Skills

• Study design
• Budgeting
• Cross-site coordination

Next moves

→ Own a Phase II

Lead

Clinical Program Director

10+ years

Skills

• Program strategy
• Regulatory strategy

Next moves

→ Own a portfolio

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