1. What is your current role?
I’m a post-doc researcher at Deakin University. I develop machine learning models for genomic data, especially microbiome compositions.
2. How did you end up in bioinformatics?
Phew, that’s a journey! Before getting into research, I actually went to medical school. I loved the coursework, but I didn’t care much for the clinical practice side of things. I needed a career change. Learning to program seemed like a way to get a good job with good work-life balance, so I took a gap year to teach myself R then applied for PhD programs in bioinformatics.
3. One sentence to describe your experience with bioinformatics.
It’s definitely the least worst job I’ve had so far!
4. What do you enjoy the most working on bioinformatics?
My favourite part is having the opportunity to get involved in so many different projects, across so many disciplines. I’ve worked with biologists, ecologists, computer scientists, etc. I love learning about all the interesting ways people want to use genomics data.
5. What are the challenges you have faced?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge in bioinformatics boils down to the insecurity of academic work. Jumping between short-term contracts is a significant source of stress and makes long-term planning difficult. Fortunately, bioinformatics is still in relatively high demand, so that helps.
6. Any advice for the students who start to join the bioinformatics club?
Hey, welcome to the club. The Australian bioinformatics community is small enough that you will eventually get to know a lot of people pretty well. This is good news because knowing people in the community will make scientific conferences really, really fun.
7. What is your favourite figure from data you generated or analysed?
A simple boxplot that clearly shows the difference between two means.
8. What does a typical day look like?
I’m pretty much an 8-4 kind of guy. I try to spend my mornings focused on deep work, either reading, writing, or coding (though I write more and code less now that I’m a post-doc). My attention depletes after lunch, so I usually fill my afternoons with meetings or “admin”. Afterwards, I try to disconnect from work completely and do things that help me recharge for the next day.
9. What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend pretty much all day working at a computer, so outside of work I like to do things that do NOT involve a computer! I’m a serial hobbyist. Right now, I’m really into hydroponic gardening.
10. Tidyverse or data.table?
Oh, I’m an old dog with old tricks. For me, it’s vanilla Base R all the way!
Follow Thomas on Twitter @tpq__!