Genetic Scientists Job Description: Career, Education, Job Outlook and Salary Information
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Genetic scientists are individuals who specialize on the study of heredity. They conduct various research on plants, animals and humans in order to analyze their characteristics, as well as how these characteristics can be passed from one generation to another through genes. They also work on altering gene makeup and features, as well as study how genetic systems work. They as well focus on finding out about the different types of genetic disorders and find ways as to how to prevent them from taking places in the future.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: To become a geneticist, one should have the basic background knowledge in biology or genetics, which can be taken up as majors in college. They should also be knowledgeable in math, chemistry and physics. Most genetic scientists take up medical degrees, and soon after they take up masters and eventually doctorate degrees for further research and development. One can choose whether to stay in the field of research or pursue clinical practice, as well as teach at the university. Other genetic scientists may take up molecular biology and biotechnology in order to be experts in the said field.
Skills and Abilities: Aside from the knowledge and expertise, genetic scientists should possess inquiring minds, as well as the tact and passion for research. They should also be analytical enough to evaluate results and find conclusions from quantifiable criteria. They should as well be capable of working with abstract theories, as well as cooperate with others during the course of study. They should have an eye for detail, determination and patience with each case they handle, as well as have mature judgment and good communication skills especially when dealing with patients, colleagues and peers. They should also learn to be objective and establish trust quickly while doing their projects.
Tasks: The main objective of genetic scientists is to increase the knowledge, understand and find treatments for genetic diseases and disorders. They work closely with genetic counselors in helping families understand the situation of their family members who are plagued with genetic problems and conditions, as well as breed new crops and animal livestock for commercial purposes. They spend most of their time at the field or at the laboratory trying experiments on plant and animal tissue, as well as finding out the characteristics which may be borne out of genetic alterations.
They also work with various instruments such as chemicals, microscopes, heat analyzers, and other technical equipment. Aside from the field and lab research, genetic scientists also put their findings into writing, hence they spend time working on theses, research documents and papers to present to their colleagues or patients, and sometimes use these as teaching materials to their students.
Earnings and Job Outlook: The earnings of genetic scientists range an average of $55,000, depending on the person’s skills and expertise, field of specialization and public reputation. Clinical and technical geneticists earn higher, while at the lower ends are professors and instructors who chose to work at the academe.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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Word Count: 525 Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 Time: 5:41 AM
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