Geneticists require extensive education, often with medical degrees, and work in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and forensics. They focus on uncovering unknown aspects of the genome and developing treatments for illnesses. They can also work in biotechnology, wildlife facilities, and forensic labs.
To become a geneticist, extensive education is usually required; most people with jobs in the field have medical degrees. Most geneticist jobs involve working in a laboratory with equipment and samples from the human genome. It is common to work with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules, which determine most of a person’s biological characteristics. Such work can be done in the field of medicine, while other geneticist jobs can be found in agriculture or forensics. One’s career may focus strictly on science, while specialist knowledge is sometimes applied to teaching or marketing.
Many geneticist jobs are designed to uncover previously unknown aspects of the genome, which can require years of research. They usually focus on finding ways to treat or prevent birth defects and illnesses. A typical work environment might be a medical laboratory or in a clinical setting, providing direct support to physicians or even patients and families. Consultants may also work with insurance providers and other healthcare companies, offering expertise on technological advances or new treatments for specific conditions.
Geneticists can work in many areas of biology. In medicine, they can administer various types of therapies, as well as be involved with reproductive issues and organ transplantation. The scientific field also incorporates work on sequencing the genome of humans and other animals. Various aspects of biotechnology are often the focus of geneticist work as work on technological advances becomes more commonplace.
Another area where 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 raising livestock, for example. One could also work in a zoo or other facility that cares for wildlife to improve animal health at a genetic level.
Laboratory work is often done in the forensic field, where 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 that there was no involvement. These jobs can take place in law enforcement bodies or even legal bodies. A geneticist may also manage a laboratory, help 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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