GENETICS
A major in genetics can lead to careers in fields as diverse as agriculture, criminology, and communication. Below is a list, by no means comprehensive, of careers geneticists pursue. Browse through this list to get an overview of each kind of career.
Common careers
Geneticists conduct research in various fields of science, ranging from agriculture to wildlife biology. The list below describes some areas of research, listed in alphabetical order, in these fields.
Education: The minimum educational requirement to be hired as a plant geneticist is a bachelors degree in biology, genetics, agriculture, or a closely related field. Since genetics draws heavily on mathematics, statistics, and biochemistry, a solid foundation in these subjects is also important.
The minimal educational requirement for a plant genetics research assistant position is a bachelors degree in genetics, agronomy, crop science, or a related degree. The skill set required of a research assistant varies according to the research project and can include experience in working with certain crops or knowledge of particular plant diseases, ability to maintain greenhouse plants and database inventory records, and ability to analyze phenotypic and genotypic data and perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR and Western blotting.
A masters and PhD degree will strongly increase opportunities to conduct independent research.
Places of employment: Plant geneticists can find work in federal, state, or local government laboratories; agricultural experiment stations; botanical gardens, arboretums, national parks; university laboratories; or private agricultural companies.
Useful links:
Careers in genetics and the biosciences: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/education/careers-6new.pdf
Genetics and plant biology career snapshot: http://nature.berkeley.edu/site/forms/oisa/gpb_career_snapshot.pdf
How can genetic information be useful in natural resource management? http://www.grcp.ucdavis.edu/projects/GeneticFactsheets/Vol_02_print.pdf
Education and Places of employment: A certificate or an associates degree in medical or veterinary technology is the minimum qualification to work as a technician in an animal genetics lab. A bachelors degree in science (for example, genetics, biology, biochemistry, or poultry science) followed by a masters degree in an area of specialization is likely to increase job prospects. If youre interested in bioinformatics, besides biology, courses in math, statistics, and computer sciences are essential. A PhD is usually required for teaching at the college level or for conducting independent research.
Places of employment: Animal geneticists can find work in animal biotechnology companies, breeding companies, livestock genetics industries, zoos, non-profit organizations involved in the conservation of endangered species, hatcheries, universities, and the federal government.
Useful links:
Texas A&M University Animal Genetics Laboratory: http://catdnatest.org/TexasAM.html
Texas A&M University Equine Embryo Laboratory: http://vetmed.tamu.edu/equine-embryo-laboratory
Animal geneticist. Knowing genes. Improving animals: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/usda/careers/pdfs/AnimalGeneticist.pdf
Education: The minimum qualification required to work as a research technician or a research assistant in a laboratory conducting genetics-based entomological research is a bachelors degree in entomology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related field. In addition to a strong science background, some research technician positions require experience in DNA-based techniques and in maintaining insectaries as well as computer skills to collect and analyze data. Masters and PhD degrees increase opportunities for research.
Places of employment: These include government agencies, pest control and agrochemical companies, nature centers, and universities.
Education: For research positions, the minimum qualification is a bachelors degree in genetics, biology, environmental science, ecology, botany, zoology, or a related field. Masters and PhD degrees increase opportunities for research.
Places of employment: These include federal agencies (for example, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), private and non-profit conservation and environmental organizations, nature and forest preserves, zoos, botanical gardens, and universities.
Useful links:
Conservation geneticist. A variety of career directions: http://medicine.jrank.org/pages/2097/Conservation-Geneticist-Variety-Career-Directions.html
Conservation genetics. The University of Utah. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/archive/conservation/index.html
Education: Refer to the Forensics major section
Places of employment: Refer to the Forensics major section
Useful links:
National Center for Forensic Science: http://ncfs.ucf.edu/index.html
Wildlife forensics: http://www.enotes.com/forensic-science/wildlife-forensics
DNA forensics: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml
Forensic genomics: http://www.forensicgenomics.nl//index.php?parentContentID=&contentID=8ba4ff43-d52c-4b56-a975-1ecedcb96ee4
Research careers in forensics: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2006_09_15/research_careers_in_forensics/
Education: A strong foundation in mathematics and science is good preparation for research in human genetics. Masters and PhD degrees increase opportunities for research. An MD-PhD degree, which provides training in both clinical and basic science, increases opportunities to conduct translational research.
Places of employment: These include medical centers, research institutes, hospitals, and biotech companies.
Useful links:
The future of genetics. Career opportunities for young scientists. http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2006_09_29/noDOI.6711002142138644027
National Human Genome Research Institute Research Investigators: http://www.genome.gov/10000297
Microbial genetics involves studying the genetics of microbes such as bacteria and fungi. Listed below are some areas of research.
Education: An advanced degree in science may not be required for entry-level positions as a research assistant in a microbial genetics laboratory. However, a masters degree in genetics, genomics, or microbiology followed by a PhD increase opportunities for research.
Places of employment: These include government agencies, medical centers, universities, pharmaceutical companies, the agricultural industry, and diagnostic laboratories.
Useful links:
Bacterial geneticist/genomicist: http://www.genome.gov/GenomicCareers/career.cfm?id=1
(Also, explore areas of research within the fields of bioinformatics and computational genetics as they overlap with those in the field of statistical genetics.)
Education: Training to become a statistical geneticist can begin with an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, or computer science followed by a graduate degree in statistical genetics. It is also possible to begin with an undergraduate degree in biology or genetics followed by courses in statistics in graduate school. The key is to have a strong background in both biology and mathematics. Computer programming skills are an asset.
Places of employment: These include biostatistics and epidemiology departments in universities; state or federal genetic, genomic, or health centers (for example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH)); and biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and pharmacogenomic companies.
Useful links:
Count on it (Article from naturejobs.com on skills required and employment opportunities in statistical genetics): http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/2007/070222/full/nj7130-946a.html
Carolina center for genome sciences, Bioinformatics and computational biology training program: http://genomics.unc.edu/training/bcb.html
Statistical genetics short coursefeaturing Mendel software: http://genomics.unc.edu/events/statgen/ (This course was held in 2010, but check Web site for updates.)
University of Washington, Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics: http://www.biostat.washington.edu/suminst/sisg/general
University of Michigan, Center for statistical genetics: http://csg.sph.umich.edu/index.php (Examples of job descriptions within the field of statistical genetics)
Genetic Analysis Workshop. Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research: http://www.gaworkshop.org/index.html
A review on the field of statistical genetics: http://schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals.org/content/33/1/95.abstract
Statistical geneticist: http://medicine.jrank.org/pages/2857/Statistical-Geneticist.html
Nature Reviews Genetics. Computational genetics: http://www.nature.com/nrg/focus/compgen/index.html (Collection of papers on computational genetics)
Education: A bachelors degree in genetics, biology, biomedical science or a related field is the minimum qualification for entry-level positions as a research technician in the field of veterinary medicine. Masters and PhD degrees lead to opportunities to conduct independent research.
Places of employment: These include veterinary genetic laboratories, private companies that offer veterinary genetic services, universities, animal breeders, biotechnology companies, and medical research institutes.
Education: For research positions, the minimum qualification is a bachelors degree in wildlife biology, zoology, or a related field. Masters and PhD degrees increase opportunities for research.
Places of employment: Federal agencies (for example, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), private and non-profit conservation and environmental organizations, nature and forest preserves, zoos, and wildlife genetics laboratories in universities.
Useful links:
Conservation genetics: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/archive/conservation/
Clinical geneticists are doctors who work with patients to identify, diagnose, and treat genetic diseases. They may also conduct research on genetic disorders; teach interns and residents about the diagnosis and management of clinical genetic disorders; and have administrative roles, for example, planning and coordinating large-scale screening programs for genetic diseases.
Education: After obtaining a medical degree, clinical geneticists complete 2 years of residency in medical disciplines approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), followed by a 2-year ACMGE-accredited residency in clinical genetics. They may then obtain certification (which involves passing an examination administered by the American Board of Medical Genetics) in one of four specialties: clinical genetics, clinical biochemical genetics, clinical cytogenetics, and clinical molecular genetics. (Clinical biochemical geneticists, cytogeneticists, and molecular geneticists may have either an MD or a PhD degree in genetics or a related biological science.)
Places of employment: Clinical geneticists work in research centers, hospitals, or medical centers or have private practices.
Useful links:
American Board of Medical Genetics. Training options: http://www.abmg.org/pages/training_options.shtml
American Board of Medical Genetics. Specialties of genetics. http://www.abmg.org/pages/training_specialties.shtml
Clinical geneticist. http://www.bookrags.com/research/clinical-geneticist-gen-01/
American Board of Medical Specialties: http://www.abms.org/who_we_help/consumers/about_physician_specialties/medical.aspx
Careers in genetics. Genetics Society of America: http://www.genetics-gsa.org/pages/careers_fisher.shtml
Clinical laboratory technologists or scientists perform chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests. For example, they may examine body fluids for the presence of bacteria, determine the concentration of compounds such as blood glucose, and prepare blood samples for transfusion. They not only perform laboratory procedures, but interpret test results, conduct research, develop new test methods, perform quality control, and supervise clinical laboratory technicians.
Technologists in large laboratories specialize in a particular field of laboratory science. For example, cytotechnologists examine cells for chromosomal abnormalities.
Education: The minimal educational requirement to qualify for an entry-level position as a clinical laboratory technologist is generally a bachelors degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences.
Bachelors degree programs in medical technology include courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology, math, statistics, management, business, computers as well as specialized clinical laboratory science courses. These programs are offered by universities and academic medical centers, and graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree are eligible to apply to them.
To find a clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), refer to http://www.naacls.org/search/programs.asp.
Graduates of a clinical laboratory science program are eligible for national certification as a clinical laboratory scientist/medical technician by passing an exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. (For a listing of the certifications and qualifications offered by the board, visit http://www.ascp.org/boc.)
For information on the eligibility criteria for these examinations, visit http://www.ascp.org/FunctionalNavigation/certification/GetCertified/TechnicianCertification.aspx.
Certification and accreditation can also be obtained through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Useful links:
Clinical laboratory science program, MD Anderson. http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/education-and-training/schools-and-programs/school-of-health-professions/programs-and-courses/clinical-laboratory-science/index.html
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science: http://www.ascls.org/?page=Career_Toolkit
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm
Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomal abnormalities underlying human diseases. A cytogeneticist prepares biological specimens such as blood, amniotic fluid, bone marrow, and tumors for chromosome analysis. This involves preparing cell cultures and staining chromosomes using techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and knowledge of techniques such as PCR, fluorescence microscopy, nucleic acid purification, agarose gel electrophoresis, and immunofluorescence staining. For a detailed list of skills expected of cytogenetic technologists, refer to the PDF prepared by the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT). You can find it here: http://www.agt-info.org/Documents/Cyto%20Statements%20of%20Competence%202001.pdf
Education: The minimum educational requirement to be a cytogenetic technologist is an undergraduate in genetics, biochemistry, or biology followed by a cytogenetic technology program and certification (which is required by some laboratories). Choose a cytotechnology program that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
An undergraduate degree in cytogenetics may be followed directly by certification. A national certification exam is offered by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Places of employment: Cytogenetic technologists may find work in research institutions, hospitals, and medical laboratories.
Useful links:
MD Anderson Cancer Center, cytogenetic technology program: http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/education-and-training/schools-and-programs/school-of-health-professions/programs-and-courses/cytogenetic-technology/index.html
Mayo Clinic cytogenetic technology program: http://www.mayo.edu/mshs/cytogen-cytogen.html
Cytogenetic technology program: http://www.uthscsa.edu/shp/cyto/success.asp
Occupational network online, Cytogenetic technologists: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2011.01
Cytogenetic Technologist: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/40/ls05-cytogen-tech.pdf
Health Careers Center, Cytogenetic Technologist:
http://www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/cytogenetictechnologist.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-become-a-cytogenetic-technologist.htm
http://education-portal.com/cytogenetic_technologist.html
Association of genetic technologists: http://www.agt-info.org/
Molecular genetic technologists study DNA for various purposes: to determine familial cancer risk, to diagnose neurological disorders, to identify microbiological agents, to match tissues for organ transplantation, to identify disaster or crime victims, and to determine parentage.
The following are some examples of skills molecular genetic technologists should have, according to the Statements of competence for molecular genetic technologists.
See the original post here:
What kind of jobs can I get with a Genetics major? | Texas A ...
- Is ALS Hereditary? Genetics, Inheritance Patterns, and More - Healthline - May 5th, 2024
- Leveraging functional genomic annotations and genome coverage to improve polygenic prediction of complex traits ... - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Genetic association of inflammatory marker GlycA with lung function and respiratory diseases - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Exome sequencing reveals genetic heterogeneity and clinically actionable findings in children with cerebral palsy - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Investigation of inherited noncoding genetic variation impacting the pharmacogenomics of childhood acute ... - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Pitfalls in the genetic testing of the OPN1LW-OPN1MW gene cluster in human subjects | npj Genomic Medicine - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Reply to: Pitfalls in the genetic testing of the OPN1LW-OPN1MW gene cluster in human subjects | npj Genomic Medicine - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Lifespan is influenced more by lifestyle than genetics - Earth.com - May 5th, 2024
- Scientists discover over 100 new genomic regions linked to blood pressure - National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) - May 5th, 2024
- Genetics studies have a diversity problem that researchers struggle to fix - The Lund Report - May 5th, 2024
- Researchers discover the genetic cause of the most common brain malformation - EL PAS USA - May 5th, 2024
- Genetic link between adolescent drinking and adult anxiety may offer therapy target | UIC today - UIC Today - May 5th, 2024
- Phylogenomics and genetic analysis of solvent-producing Clostridium species | Scientific Data - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- New genes are involved in the adaptation of acorn barnacles to sessile life - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- Rachel Khong explores genetics, race and the idea of being American in new novel - Wyoming Public Media - May 5th, 2024
- Genetic testing led to early cancer detection for father, daughter - Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center - May 5th, 2024
- EYE ON HEALTH: High risk and genetic testing being offered at local hospital - Local 3 News - May 5th, 2024
- Fatty Liver: Is It Hereditary? - Healthline - May 5th, 2024
- Southern Seven Health Department to expand genetic cancer testing - KFVS - May 5th, 2024
- Genetic associations of key genes in breast cancer pathogenesis - News-Medical.Net - May 5th, 2024
- Mating Study Unlocks the Genetic Code of Attraction - Neuroscience News - March 18th, 2024
- Mindfulness in your DNA? Capacity to be present is partly a function of genetics, study finds - PsyPost - March 18th, 2024
- Genetic testing scam targets Medicare recipients, including those in Spokane - KXLY Spokane - March 18th, 2024
- Some people are genetically predisposed to gain weight. These 5 tips can help - CNN - March 18th, 2024
- SOPHiA GENETICS and The French Kidney Cancer Research Network (UroCCR) Publish Results from Multiyear ... - PR Newswire - March 18th, 2024
- Tissue samples show the deep genetic and cellular impacts of smoking - Medical Xpress - March 18th, 2024
- The regulatory landscape of chromatin accessibility - Nature.com - March 18th, 2024
- Genome assemblies of 11 bamboo species highlight diversification induced by dynamic subgenome dominance - Nature.com - March 18th, 2024
- Research reveals the genetic code behind non-identical twins - Medical Xpress - March 18th, 2024
- How genetic therapies transformed the lives of sickle cell patients - KPVI News 6 - March 18th, 2024
- The Next Wave of Privacy Litigation: The Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act - Perkins Coie - March 18th, 2024
- State initiates study on genetic cancers, Lynch Syndrome - The Times of India - March 18th, 2024
- How genetic therapies transformed the lives of sickle cell patients - Citizentribune - March 18th, 2024
- Dr Plichta on Areas of Interest for Genetic Testing Research in Breast Cancer - OncLive - March 18th, 2024
- The Genetic History of the Jews Mosaic - Mosaic - March 18th, 2024
- New insights into genetic mechanisms could improve treatment of liver fibrosis - Medical Xpress - March 18th, 2024
- 5 Questions To Ask About The Ethics Of Genetic Data - Forbes - March 18th, 2024
- Couple raising money to fix sons club feet caused by rare genetic condition - 21 Alive News - February 18th, 2024
- What can bulls tell us about men? Genetic discovery could translate to human fertility research - Medical Xpress - February 18th, 2024
- Legislation seeks to bar life insurance companies from purchasing recreational genetic testing data - Delaware First Media - February 18th, 2024
- Family-based study identifies potential new genetic factors linked to Alzheimer's risk in people with African ancestry - National Institute on Aging - February 18th, 2024
- Genetic determinants of micronucleus formation in vivo - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- Near-gapless and haplotype-resolved apple genomes provide insights into the genetic basis of rootstock-induced ... - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- Accurate and sensitive mutational signature analysis with MuSiCal - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- CRISPR, the Genetic Revolution of the 21st Century | OpenMind - BBVA OpenMind - February 18th, 2024
- Genetic control of thermomorphogenesis in tomato inflorescences - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- Natural selection and genetic diversity maintenance in a parasitic wasp during continuous biological control application - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- Understanding how natural genetic variation contributes to adaptive responses to low oxygen - News-Medical.Net - February 18th, 2024
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics - Epidemiology and Genetics - University of Southern California - February 18th, 2024
- Genetic study clarifies the link between birth weight and adult morbidity - Medical Xpress - February 18th, 2024
- AI and genetics underpin project to speed up CVD diagnosis and personalise treatment - Hospital Healthcare - February 18th, 2024
- Study Reveals Complex Interaction Between Genetics and Environment in Brain Functioning - Medriva - February 18th, 2024
- Unraveling the Impact of Genetics and Socioeconomic Status on Behavioral and Psychiatric Traits - Medriva - February 18th, 2024
- Genetic Investigation Reveals CETP Gene Variants Linked to Cardiovascular Resilience in Genome-Wide Association ... - Physician's Weekly - December 30th, 2023
- Raha Kapoor's blue eyes remind fans of her great-grandfather, Raj Kapoor; here's what genetics says - IndiaTimes - December 30th, 2023
- Genetic clue to pericarditis inflammation points to promising new treatments - News-Medical.Net - December 30th, 2023
- Certain genetic predispositions may increase risk of atrial fibrillation among those with high alcohol consumption - 2 Minute Medicine - December 30th, 2023
- Understanding the genetic basis of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer - News-Medical.Net - December 30th, 2023
- Genetic engineering was meant to save chestnut trees. Then there was a mistake. - The Washington Post - December 30th, 2023
- Unraveling the mystery of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer - EurekAlert - December 30th, 2023
- What is Genetics? | AMNH - American Museum of Natural History - December 22nd, 2023
- Who killed Shelley Connolly? Genetic genealogy leads authorities to a suspect and a conviction - Alaska's News Source - December 22nd, 2023
- C.S. Lewis, Atheism, and the Genetic Fallacy - Word on Fire - December 22nd, 2023
- FDA approves first genetic test to assess opioid addiction risk using DNA sample - Fox News - December 22nd, 2023
- Genetic blueprint of wild grapes could help breed better grapes - University of California, Davis - December 22nd, 2023
- Unlocking the genetic secrets of grape seedlessness - Phys.org - December 22nd, 2023
- Unlocking the genetic secrets of drought resilience in Persian walnuts - Phys.org - December 22nd, 2023
- FDA approves genetic test to assess patients risk of developing an opioid addiction - KXAN.com - December 22nd, 2023
- How researchers are CReATiNG synthetic chromosomes faster and cheaper - EurekAlert - December 22nd, 2023
- The promise of genetic therapies in sickle cell disease - The Lancet - December 22nd, 2023
- Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and wolf-dog hybridisation in the Eastern Romanian Carpathian ... - Nature.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Genetics and Heart Disease: What you need to know - IndiaTimes - December 22nd, 2023
- How to become a geneticist - University of Sydney - December 22nd, 2023
- Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs | News | Vancouver Island University ... - Vancouver Island University News - December 22nd, 2023
- Human genetics | Description, Chromosomes, & Inheritance - December 13th, 2023
- BASIC GENETICS INFORMATION - Understanding Genetics - NCBI Bookshelf - December 13th, 2023
- Introduction to Genetics - Open Textbook Library - December 13th, 2023
- Clues to preventing Alzheimer's come from patient who, despite genetics, evaded disease Washington University ... - Washington University School of... - December 13th, 2023
- Environmental stress rather than genetics influenced height differences in early Neolithic people: Study - Phys.org - December 13th, 2023
- What is trisomy 18? Why the fatal genetic disorder is in the news and what it's like to get the diagnosis. - Yahoo Life - December 13th, 2023