What is a Geneticist?
Geneticist is one job function in biotechnology, a field of science that fuses engineering and technology with the life sciences. Geneticists work in either medical or agricultural research to study genes from plants, animals, and humans to determine how genes interact with each other, evolve, and duplicate.
Developments in mapping the human genome—the set of all genes in human DNA—are taking biotechnology to a new level. Geneticists are gaining insight into ways of preventing a disease from even starting. “In the future,” says Tim Lockie, director of business operations with a gene-transfer research firm in Madison, Wisconsin, “we hope that custom tailored medicines specific to people’s genetic backgrounds will be available.”
Geneticists usually work in laboratories to study genetic material. They use both standard equipment, such as microscopes, and more advanced tools, such as DNA scanners. Some equipment is designed for gene therapy and gene manipulation procedures. Geneticists also pore over vast amounts of data with the help of computers and special software. Often relying on grants for funding, geneticists work in industry, schools, and Federal and State governments.
A doctoral degree is usually necessary to work as a geneticist. Geneticists usually study biology or genetics as undergraduates, but a major in one of the physical sciences with a minor in biology is acceptable for many Ph.D. programs. Doctoral programs in genetics usually involve laboratory work, research projects, and genetics-related courses.
Many biotechnology employers offer internships for high school and college students who are interested in learning more about biotechnology companies. Whether in the laboratory or in the field, job experience can help you begin a career in biotechnology.
In Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, geneticists are included within the larger occupation of biological scientists. Biological scientists held about 73,000 jobs in 2000, the most recent year for which data are available. Almost 25 percent of all biological scientists worked in the Federal Government, and another 22 percent worked in research and testing services.
Median annual earnings of biological scientists were $49,000 in 2000. According to a salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting offers for biological scientists in 2001 averaged $42,744 for doctoral degree recipients.
For more information about a career in genetics, you can contact the Association of Genetic Technologists, Inc., P.O. Box 15945-288, Lenexa, KS 66285-5945, Phone 913-895-4605.
Information from Occupations Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statics |
