Career as a Geneticist: Complete Guide 2023

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Are you curious as to why we appear the way we do? Do you want to learn more about DNA and the science that underlies it all? Are you a seeker of revelation? This blog is a detailed guide on a career as a Geneticist, what a Geneticist does, different paths you can take to become a Geneticist, and different job opportunities.

What is a Career as a Geneticist? 

Before learning how to become a genetics, let’s delve into what a career as a geneticist entails. Leaders in biology and geneticists are instrumental in revealing some of life’s mysteries. The nature of the work of a geneticist includes solving genetic and hereditary mysteries. They are extremely devoted to their profession and spend the majority of their lives searching for solutions to one or more particular concerns. With this commitment, genetics has flourished, developed, and improved over time.

  • Investigate the molecular, organismal, or population levels of trait inheritance.
  • Conduct research to understand the mechanisms, laws, and inheritance of attributes.
  • Analyzing the causes of particular qualities to comprehend the connections between genetics and variables like fertility and maturity.
  • Treating people with genetic disorders.
  • Understanding the interactions between various environmental factors and genes that result in disease or illness.
  • Create novel techniques to alter or produce new features through the use of chemicals, radiation, or other approaches.
  • Genetic guidance.
  • Teaching upcoming geneticists

Job Roles in a Career as a Geneticist

  • Genetic Scientist in Agriculture & Food: You’ve probably heard of genetically modified crops; this is where geneticists come into play in agriculture and food production. This career as a geneticist involves working to change the genes of the plant to create new types. They create types that have improved yields or can withstand harsh climatic conditions. For a wider variety, scientists also study animal breeds in addition to plants.
  • Scientific Researcher: One can work on research involving the investigation of various genes and their correlation after earning a doctorate. It facilitates the advancement of novel discoveries like CRISPR gene editing. The well-known Human Genome Project symbolizes is an example of how this career as a geneticist has significant contribution over the past ten years to our understanding of the universe’s living things.
  • Genetic Counsellors: You must be accredited as a genetic counsellor from a reputable institute in order to pursue a career in this field. Due to the rise of wellness treatments and gene-based medicines, genetic counsellors are in demand nowadays. Their work primarily includes reviewing the patient’s family history determining any possible disease risks, creating reports, etc.
  • Medical Scientist: This places a lot of emphasis on research into medical problems. Medical researchers attempt to understand genetic illnesses, particularly those that are hereditary. They look forward to solutions for treating these diseases and giving someone a better life.
  • Scientific Writer: Writing can advance your career if you are passionate about sharing your ideas in your area of expertise through your writing. In the next years, a job in scientific writing will pay very well because it allows you to learn as you work.
  • Forensic Scientist: In this case, you will be collaborating with law enforcement agencies to locate and examine evidence from suspected crime sites. This primarily entails analyzing DNA samples, skin samples, etc., and producing pertinent data to pinpoint the prospective criminal.

Path for a Career as a Geneticist

Path 1 

  • Complete 12th from science stream.  
  • Consider doing a B.Sc in Genetics or a related subject. 
  • Pursue Masters’s in a related subject like Applied Genetics, Microbial Genetics, Bioinformatics, and more. 

Path 2

  • Complete 12th from science stream. 
  • Give JEE exam to secure a seat in engineering college.
  • Do B.Tech in Genetic Engineering.
  • You consider doing an M.Tech in Genetic Engineering.

Path 3

  • Complete 12th from science stream. 
  • Give NEET-UG examination to secure a seat in medical college. 
  • Do a 5-year MBBS degree. 
  • Do a PG in Human Genetics after completing an MBBS degree. 

If you want to know more about How to become a Geneticist, visit this blog. 

Salary for a Career as a Geneticist

Profile Salary 
Genetic Counsellors₹ 5.5 L 
Forensic Scientist₹ 5.7 L 
Research Scientist₹ 6.8 L 
Immunologist ₹22 L 
Genomics₹21 L 

Skills required for a Career as a Geneticist

  • Communication skills
    Businesses need effective communication in the workplace to be competitive and run efficiently. If employees can interact with a company, morale, productivity, and engagement will all increase. The ability to communicate well is necessary to become a geneticist. It’s crucial to convey accurate findings and reports.
  • Problem-Solving skills
    When we talk about problem-solving abilities, we nearly often mean the capacity to deal with challenging or unforeseen job circumstances and intricate financial concerns. A geneticist must have a natural aptitude for problem-solving. 
  • Analytical skills
    It takes knowledge gathering, evaluation, and decision-making to solve problems analytically. Although analytical approaches may be difficult, they are used in everyday tasks, making them an essential skill set for professions in genetics. People who choose a profession in genetics must go through vast amounts of gene data, therefore it’s critical to have strong analytical abilities.
  • Time Management
    The capacity to use your time in a way that advances the goals is the most fundamental time management ability. One must always be aware of these objectives and how each behaviour is designed to move the organization closer to achieving its objectives while deciding when to focus. To become a geneticist, you must possess the ability to manage your time effectively.

Is a Career as a Geneticist a good option?

The fields of biology, biomedicine, and life sciences provide numerous career options. A genetics degree holder has more employment options than ever. The need for genetics is still rising because there are currently not enough genetically qualified workers.

The need for geneticists in the field is currently not expected to change, and the rivalry for jobs in fundamental research will be fierce. Growth is projected to only be probable if big data and hyper-computing developments make it necessary to analyze genetic and ecological data. If there is increasing interest in the environment and emphasis on medical genetics, opportunities for environmental geneticists will also rise.

Places where Geneticists work

  • Research institutions
  • Hospitals
  • Forensics 
  • Agricultural companies
  • Horticultural companies
  • Universities
  • Genetic engineering companies
  • Biotechnology Industry
  • Pharmaceutical companies.
  • Labs 
  • Animal Care Centres

Top Recruiters for Geneticists 

Courses to Upskill as a Geneticist 

  • Board of Genetic Counseling (BCG)
  • Certificate Course in Genetic Counselling
  • American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)
  • Professional Certificate Program in Genetic Counselling
  • Human Gene Therapy

Qualification to become a Geneticist 

Undergraduate degree in India 

The mentioned courses will last for 3-4 years. 

  • B.Sc in Genetics
  • B.Sc Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry
  • B.Sc (Hons) in Genetics
  • B.Tech. Genetic Engineering

Postgraduate degree in India 

The mentioned courses last for two years.

  • M.Sc in Applied Genetics
  • M.Sc in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
  • M.Sc in Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics
  • M.Tech. Genetic Engineering
  • M.Sc. in Genetics

Degrees Abroad

You can consider courses like BS in Genomics and Molecular Genetics, BS in Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology, BS in Molecular Genetics, and BS in Biological Sciences- Genetics, Cell, and Development. You can also pursue a master’s degree in a similar subject to enhance your skill set and knowledge base. 

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Start by preparing for the TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT exams if you want to enrol in foreign universities. Visit this blog to learn more about how to take the SAT.

I want to know More! 

Books 

  • The Selfish Gene
  • The Epigenetics Revolution
  • The Violinist’s Thumb
  • Genome
  • Who We Are and How We Got Here
  • The Seven Daughters of Eve
  • She Has Her Mother’s Laugh
  • The Gene

Famous Personalities 

  • David Suzuki
  • Kary B. Mullis
  • Francis Collins
  • Roger Kornberg
  • Michael Smith
  • George M. Church

Have you ever considered the reason for how much we resemble our parents? Have you ever wondered why twins appear to be the same and wondered why they are similar? Well, geneticists’ knowledge can be used to determine all of this. We wish you the absolute best if you are motivated enough to work in the industry.

FAQs 

How do you become a genetic scientist?

Get your bachelor’s degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or genetics is the first step to becoming a geneticist. Take the master’s exam. With a master’s in genetics, one could work as a research geneticist. 

How many years does it take to become a genetic scientist?

It takes 6 to 8 years or longer to become a well-known geneticist in a particular field. Each year, between 10,000 and 15,000 students want to become geneticists. Only 25% of them have the good fortune to be successful.

Are genetic scientists in demand?

According to the BLS, between 2020 and 2030, there will be a 5% increase in the need for geneticists, and there will be a fierce rivalry for places in fundamental research.

Is genetics a good career in India?

The fields of biology, biomedicine, and life sciences provide numerous career options. A genetics degree holder has more employment options than ever. The need for genetics is still rising because there are currently not enough genetically qualified workers.

Is a geneticist a doctor?

Medical doctors who have received further training in medical genetics are known as medical geneticists. Medical geneticists assess, identify, and treat people and families that have different genetic indications or particular genetic disorders.

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