Becoming a Geneticist – The following article outlines the job duties, training involved, salary expectations and future prospects of taking on a career as a Geneticist.
Preview:
Geneticists, or genetic scientists, study heredity and how characteristics in animals, plants, and micro organisms are passed on through genes contained in each cell. Geneticists study chromosome and function and look at gene abnormalities that can cause disease. They selectively breed improved plants and animals. They use techniques of genetic engineering in structure and agriculture, medicine, and industry.
The Job:
Genetic research usually involves isolating, manipulating, or altering genetic characteristics, and experimenting with cloning techniques in order to increase our knowledge of how genetic systems work. Geneticists may specialize in cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genetic counseling, genetic engineering, or population genetics.
Clinical cytogeneticists study cell structures and look for chromosome irregularities.
They analyze the chromosomes obtained from samples of patients’ blood, tissue, bone marrow, or other body tissue or fluid, and help medical clinicians diagnose genetic disease. Forensic genetics is an offshoot of cytogenetics arid genetic fingerprinting is used to identify criminals.
Molecular geneticists chemically study DNA, the blueprint for protein molecules in cells, to identify genetic abnormalities. Both cytogeneticists and molecular geneticists work closely with a wide range of professionals, including medical staff and genetic counselors.
Genetic counselors study a couple’s family history and predict the likelihood of genetic diseases occurring in their children. In some countries, genetic counselors have to be medically qualified as well as having a qualification in genetics.
Genetic scientists or engineers alter, splice, and rearrange genes to produce plants or animals with specific characteristics. There have been a number of spectacular medical and agricultural breakthroughs, such as genetically engineered insulin. By conducting animal research, genetic scientists can often increase knowledge of human health issues.
Population geneticists look at the contribution of genotypes and mutations throughout a population and try to model the occurrences mathematically.
Geneticists may be employed by a university or a college, a hospital, or industry. Most geneticists work in a laboratory environment designing and conducting research experiments. The work could require coping with the sight of blood and handling blood products, and may involve wearing protective clothing to combat the risk of infection. Teamwork is important and geneticists may work with other biological or physical scientists or engineers.
Useful Qualifications to Have:
Useful subjects include: chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and statistics.
Training Involved:
A bachelor’s degree in genetics or a biological science with a molecular or biochemistry emphasis is usually required as a first qualification.
Specialist master’s courses provide in-depth knowledge of genetics. Some of these courses specialize in particular aspects, such as genetic manipulation, clinical genetics, plant or human genetics, or molecular genetics. Postgraduate training is usually required for teaching. A higher research degree, usually leading to a doctor of philosophy (PhD), is essential for research work in most countries.
Trainee posts in the health service as cytogeneticists or molecular geneticists may be available in some countries. Those candidates who are interested should contact a state or federal government job information office to determine which examinations are necessary.
Salary Expectations:
The base salary range of a Geneticist ranges from $48,357 to $69,162 annually, while the median salary for most Geneticists is $54,424 annually. (US Base Pay)
Future Prospects:
Opportunities for geneticists are expanding rapidly and the demand for geneticists and other scientists to understand human, animal, and plant genetics will continue to increase. With rapid developments in genetic engineering arid biotechnology geneticists will be in greater demand than ever before. However, employment prospects may depend on job mobility.
Geneticists with a first degree are likely to obtain work as trainees or research technicians in hospitals or health organizations or in the biotechnology industry.
In some establishments, particularly when working for a health service, promotion is not automatic or continuous, and cytogeneticists or molecular geneticists will need to accept increased responsibility or move to another department to widen their experience. Senior clinical scientists are promoted either on individual scientific merit or to take charge of a laboratory department providing a range of services.
In most research organizations, promotion is likely to be on merit, experience, and qualifications. A good list of research publications is usually required.
For further information, contact a relevant professional body, such as the association or society for genetics, clinical molecular genetics, clinical cytogenetics, or cell or molecular biology. Contact hospitals with units for cytogenetics or relevant university departments.
