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What Are the Different Types of Geneticist Jobs?

Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer

To become a geneticist, an extensive education is generally required; most people with jobs in the field have a medical degree. Most geneticist jobs involve working in a laboratory with equipment and samples of the human genome. It is common to work with molecules of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), which determines most biological characteristics of a person. Such work can take place in the field of medicine, while other geneticist jobs can be found in agriculture or forensics. One’s career can focus strictly on science, while specialized knowledge is sometimes applied to teaching or marketing.

Many geneticist jobs are designed around discovering aspects of the genome not known before, which can require years of research. These often focus on finding ways to treat or prevent birth defects and diseases. A typical work environment can be a medical lab or in a clinical setting providing direct support to physicians or even patients and families. Consultants can also work with insurance providers and other health care companies, offering expertise about technological breakthrough, or new treatments for specific conditions.

A geneticist may have a job involved with improving and creating crops.
A geneticist may have a job involved with improving and creating crops.

Geneticists can work in the many areas of biology. In medicine, they can administer various kinds of therapies, as well as be involved with reproductive issues and organ transplantation. The scientific field also incorporates jobs in sequencing the human genome and that of other animals. Various aspects of biotechnology are often the focus of geneticist jobs as work on technological breakthroughs becomes more common.

Many geneticist jobs are designed around discovering aspects of the genome not known before, which can require years of research.
Many geneticist jobs are designed around discovering aspects of the genome not known before, which can require years of research.

Another area in which geneticist jobs are common is agriculture. Many foods such as fruits and vegetables can be modified to tolerate more diverse weather conditions or resist insects. Some geneticists also help develop pesticides based on biological compounds, while others provide assistance with breeding livestock, for example. One can also work in a zoo or other facility that handles wildlife to improve animal health on a genetic level.

Geneticists may be used by law enforcement to place someone at the scene of a crime.
Geneticists may be used by law enforcement to place someone at the scene of a crime.

Laboratory work is often performed in the field of forensics, in which a geneticist can help convict criminals using techniques such as DNA sampling. Even fragments of genetic material can be enough to place someone at the scene of a crime, or it can prove one was not involved. Such jobs can take place at law enforcement or even legal agencies. A geneticist can also manage a laboratory, help to market and sell scientific products, or even teach related subjects in an educational setting, including a university, where instructor or researcher positions are often held.

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    • A geneticist may have a job involved with improving and creating crops.
      By: luchshen
      A geneticist may have a job involved with improving and creating crops.
    • Many geneticist jobs are designed around discovering aspects of the genome not known before, which can require years of research.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Many geneticist jobs are designed around discovering aspects of the genome not known before, which can require years of research.
    • Geneticists may be used by law enforcement to place someone at the scene of a crime.
      By: Yali Shi
      Geneticists may be used by law enforcement to place someone at the scene of a crime.
    • Geneticists can work with zoos to promote healthy breeding in endangered species.
      By: fotoliamemberN
      Geneticists can work with zoos to promote healthy breeding in endangered species.
    • Clinical geneticists may offer consultations to patients who have concerns about how their genes will affect the development of their unborn children.
      By: Alexandr Vasilyev
      Clinical geneticists may offer consultations to patients who have concerns about how their genes will affect the development of their unborn children.
    • A geneticist may provide support to both patients as well as physicians.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      A geneticist may provide support to both patients as well as physicians.
    • A geneticist may work in a medical lab.
      By: micromonkey
      A geneticist may work in a medical lab.