A comprehensive education is usually required to become a geneticist; most people working in the field have a medical degree. The majority of geneticist jobs entail working in a laboratory with equipment and human genome samples. It is common to work with Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) molecules, which determine the majority of a person’s biological characteristics. Geneticist jobs can be found in medicine, agriculture, and forensics, among other fields. A career in science can be solely focused on science, but specialized knowledge can also be applied to teaching or marketing.
Many geneticist jobs revolve around discovering previously unknown aspects of the genome, which can take years of research. These are frequently concerned with discovering new ways to treat or prevent birth defects and diseases. Working in a medical lab or in a clinical setting, providing direct support to physicians or even patients and their families, is a typical work environment. Consultants can also work with insurance companies and other health-care organizations, sharing their knowledge of technological breakthroughs and new treatments for specific diseases.
Geneticists can work in a variety of fields within biology. They can administer a variety of therapies in medicine, as well as work with reproductive issues and organ transplantation. Jobs in sequencing the human genome and the genomes of other animals are also included in the scientific field. As work on technological breakthroughs becomes more common, geneticist jobs are increasingly focused on various aspects of biotechnology.
Agriculture is another field where geneticists are employed. Many foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can be genetically modified to withstand a wider range of weather conditions or insect resistance. Some geneticists also assist with the development of pesticides based on biological compounds, while others assist with livestock breeding, for example. Working in a zoo or other facility that deals with wildlife can also help improve animal health on a genetic level.
Laboratory work is common in the field of forensics, where a geneticist can use techniques like DNA sampling to help convict criminals. Even small amounts of genetic material can be used to identify a suspect or prove that they were not involved in the crime. Jobs like these can be found in law enforcement or even legal agencies. A geneticist can also manage a laboratory, assist in the marketing and sale of scientific products, and teach related subjects in an educational setting, such as a university, where instructor and researcher positions are common.