Becoming a Geneticist – The following job description describes the role, training involved, salary expectations and future career prospects as a Geneticist.
Preview:
Geneticists, or genetic scientists, study heredity and how characteristics in animals, plants and micro-organisms are transmitted through the genes contained in each cell. Geneticists study chromosomes and their function and look for gene abnormalities that can cause disease. Selective choices produce better plants and animals. The techniques of genetic engineering are used in architecture and agriculture, medicine, and industry.
Job:
Genetic research generally involves isolating, manipulating, or changing genetic traits, and experimenting with sophisticated techniques to increase our understanding of how genetic systems work. Geneticists can specialize in cytogenetics, molecular genetics, bone marrow accepted, or other body tissue or fluid, help Clinical and genetic diagnosis of disease.Forensic genetic planting of dry genetic fingerprints has been used to identify criminals.
Genetic chemists 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 the family history of a couple and predict the likelihood of genetic diseases occurring in their children. In some countries, genetic counselors must be medically qualified and qualified in genetics.
Genetic or mechanical science varies, splices and arranges genes to produce plants or animals with specific characteristics. There have been several spectacular medical and agricultural breakthroughs, such as genetically engineered insulin. Through genetic research, often animal research, scientists can improve human health issues.
They look at the genetic contribution of the population of genotypes and mutations in a population and try to mathematically model the results.
Geneticists may be employed by a university or college, hospital or industry. Most geneticists work in a laboratory environment research and research experiments. Work in the presence of blood and in the handling of blood products could require shielding and wearing protective clothing to combat the risk of contamination. Collaboration is very important and genetic engineering can work with other biological or physical or mechanical sciences.
Have useful qualifications:
Useful subjects include: chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, statistics.
Training involved:
A bachelor’s degree in genetics or biological science with a molecular or biochemical emphasis is usually required as a first qualification.
Master’s courses offer a very deep specialization in genetic science. Some courses have specific specializations, such as genetic manipulation, clinical genetics, plant genetics or human genetics, or molecular genetics. Postgraduate training is usually required to teach. A higher research degree, usually leading to a doctor of philosophy (PhD), is the most essential research work in the region.
Trainee posts in health services such as cytogenetics or molecular genetics may be available in some regions. Interested candidates should contact the state or federal administrative notification office to determine which exams are necessary.
Salary expectations:
Base salaries for geneticists range from $48,357 to $69,162 annually, while the median salary for most geneticists is $54,424 annually. (Render base)
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 grow. With the rapid developments in genetic engineering, genetics in biotechnology will be in greater demand than ever before. However, employment prospects may depend on labor mobility.
Geneticists with a first degree will have work as trainees or research technology in hospitals or health institutions or in the biotechnology industry.
In some institutions, especially when working for the health service, promotion is not automatic or continuous, and cytogeneticists or molecular geneticists need to accept increased responsibility or expand their experience to another area. Senior clinical scientists are promoted either for special scientific merit or to head of a laboratory department providers of a wide range of services.
In most research organizations, promotion is likely to be earned through experience and energy. A good list of research publications is usually required.
For further information, contact a relevant professional body, such as an association or society of genetics, molecular genetics, clinical cytogenetics, or cell or molecular biology. Contact hospitals with units for cytogenetics or relevant university departments.