Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Median Annual Wage: $74,720

Education: Post-doctoral training (50%); Doctoral degree (28%); Bachelor's degree (8%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Research Scientist; Professor; Assistant Professor; Associate Professor; Associate Professor of Genetics; Clinical Cytogenetics Director; Clinical Molecular Genetics Laboratory Director; Medical Genetics Director

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Geneticists.

More Life, Physical, and Social Science Careers

  • Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
  • Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
  • Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
  • Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
  • Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
  • Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving processes such as gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.
  • Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
  • Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
  • Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
  • Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.
  • Design and maintain genetics computer databases.
  • Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.
  • Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
  • Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
  • Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
  • Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
  • Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
  • Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Geneticists.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Geneticists.

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