Geneticist
Geneticists study how genes work in humans, animals, plants and microbes, and how they are passed on.
- Starter salary£35,000 a year
- Experienced£58,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a geneticist, you may:
- prepare and analyse samples of genetic tissue in a lab
- record and interpret the results of experiments and tests
- develop computer models of genes based on data and statistics
- study genetic changes and defects and how these affect growth and development
- report and publish findings in scientific papers
- plan lectures and teach students
Working environment
You could work at a university, in a laboratory or at a research facility.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of biology
- science skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a geneticist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
University
You'll need a life science degree or a postgraduate master's qualification in genetics, or a related subject which covers genetics.
Degrees and postgraduate courses include:
- genetics
- biology
- biochemistry
- molecular biology
- life sciences
- biological science
Employers may expect you to have, or be working towards, a PhD.
Integrated master's qualifications such as MBiolSci, MBiol or MSci can be studied at university. These courses combine independent research and can lead directly on to study for a PhD.
It's useful to gain experience of laboratory and research techniques during your degree through internships or year placements.
If you want to work in the NHS you can apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree where you can specialise in genomics work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Career path and progression
With experience you could become a clinical science laboratory supervisor or clinical study manager.
You might also use your skills in genetics to move into:
- bioinformatics
- agricultural science
- forensic science
- genetic counselling
- university lecturing
- medical ethics
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Genetics Society to get access to professional development opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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