Geneticist
Geneticists study how genes work in humans, animals, plants and microbes, and how they are passed on.
Typical Salary
£35,000 – £58,000
per year
Working Hours
38–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
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
Skills needed
- 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 get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
Career 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