What is a Career in Genetics All About

Topic We Cover: What is a Career in Genetics All About?

1. What is Genetics?
2. What is a Career in Genetics About?
3. What qualities do geneticists need?

• Skills required
• Benefits of Genetics Courses

4. Courses & Duration

• Undergraduate Courses
• Postgraduate Courses
• Doctoral Courses

5. Admission & Eligibility
6. Course curriculum for Genetic Engineering
7. Top colleges in India that offers these courses:
8. Career & Jobs

• Career Opportunities in Genetics
• What personality characteristics or skills should a geneticist possess?

9. Who Hires Geneticists? Where Do They Work?
10. Salaries in Genetics
11. Pros and Cons of being a Geneticist
12. Should you pursue a career in Genetics?
13. Conclusion

What is Genetics?

In general, Genetics, is the study of heredity and in particular it is the study of genes. One of the central pillars of biology formed by Genetics and overlaps with many other areas, such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

What is a Career in Genetics About?

Majorly, Genetics is focuses on inherited diseases, hereditary conditions, as well as the Application of Genetics Research to the development of pharmaceutical and agricultural products. The Study of Genetics has created a major breakthrough in branches of unborn defects, cancer research, DNA samples, etc. A Geneticist works in both medical and scientific fields to gain a better understanding of mutation, reproduction and cell growth.

In the Field of Genetics the work of a professional typically consists of keeping records of genetic ailments, detecting genotypes, detecting faulty/misfired genes, analysing test results, employing mutation techniques, etc. After having conducted tests or experiments, they prepare reports for clinicians and clients (patients), explaining them the results of their analysis.

What qualities do geneticists need?

The term geneticist encase a number of different positions; from doctors who look after patients with hereditary conditions, to academics who lecture on this subject. So although as a geneticist you may be spending most of your time Working in a Laboratory, this will not always be the case.

Many geneticists require the power to act to express complicated ideas in a comprehensive and understandable manner. They may be give a reason for the effects of genetic treatments to people who may be apprehensive or scared. Consequently, these guys need to be honest, reassuring and friendly when dealing with people.

There is enough difference within this area of work to provide for a variety of personality types, so whether you are a people person who likes working in teams, or you prefer to work on your own, there will be something for you.

The media often portrays the Work of Geneticists as controversial and, although it has been in some instances, it is important to remember that it really is just another branch of mainstream science.

So, if you have a passion for biological sciences and would like to work on the leading position of progressive medical science, then a career in the exciting world of genetics could be right for you. To find out more about this exciting subsector check out the occupational profile of a Clinical Molecular Geneticist!

Skills required

• Capacity to communicate complex thoughts justifiably and easily
• Straightforward
• Interest in the natural sciences
• Clarifying the impacts of genetics medicines to individuals who might be frightened or troubled
• Cordial

Benefits of Genetics Courses:

• You can find Job Opportunities in Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other health services.
• It mentors you about the operations of Clinical Biochemical Genetics diagnostic laboratories.
• After completing B.Sc in Genetics, you can also go for the further courses like M.Sc, Ph.D, etc.

Courses & Duration

Genetics Courses are quite popular in India. In this field you can choose the bachelor, master & a doctoral degree. It is substantial for the study of cell biology, microbiology, Bio-Technology & biochemistry.

For various things the role of the geneticist is very crucial such as unborn defects, cancer research, DNA samples & etc.

In gaining a better understanding of mutation, reproduction & cell growth a geneticist works in both medical & scientific fields.

Candidates can apply for AIIMS PG, NEET PG and JIPMER PG to apply for this course.

The various courses in genetics are mentioned below:

Undergraduate Courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Genetics (B.Sc. (Genetics))
• Bachelor of Science Honors in Genetics (B.Sc (Hons.) Genetics)
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Microbiology, Genetics & Chemistry

Postgraduate Courses:

• Master of Philosophy in Genetics (M.Phill.(Genetics))
• Master of Science in Genetics (M.Sc.(Genetics))
• Master of Science Honors in Genetics (M.Sc (Hons.) Genetics)
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Applied Genetics
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Biomedical Genetics
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Human Genetics
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology 
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Bioinformatics and Microbial Genetics 
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering

Doctoral Courses:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics (Ph.D. (Genetics))
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Human Genetics

Admission & Eligibility

If you are willing in Admission in Bachelor Courses, you have to successfully complete higher secondary examination with Chemistry, Physics & Biology. The duration of this course is three years. Some colleges also conduct an aptitude test for admission in B.Sc Genetics Degree Course.

To get Admissions in Master Courses, you must have done a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field from any recognized college or university. In genetic courses some institutions also give admission on the basis of the merit list of the qualifying examination.

Course curriculum for Genetic Engineering

Syllabus of Genetic engineering in a semester- wise break-up of the course in tabulated form given below –

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Some of the specialized fields of Genetics are:

• Quantitative Genetics
• Ecological Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Human genetics
• Immunogenetics
• Medical genetics
• Conservation Genetics
• Classical Genetics
• Molecular Genetics

Top colleges in India that offers these courses:

• Government Science College, Karnataka
• University of Delhi
• I.M.S University
• Maharshi Dayanand University
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Ch. Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
• Rajendra Agricultural University (Bihar)
• ANU – Acharya Nagarjuna University
• BHU – Banaras Hindu University
• Barkatullah University
• CCS Haryana Agricultural University
• PAU – Punjab Agricultural University
• Punjabi University
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University – RPCAU
• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
• Osmania University, Hyderabad
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Career & Jobs

Career Opportunities in Genetics

An Increasing Scope of this Career offers you a huge variety of opportunities.

Cytogeneticist: The preparation of biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, blood, bone marrow and tumours for chromosome analysis is done by Cytogeneticist

Crime Investigation: Geneticists also work in the crime investigation branches of government and non-government organizations analyzing biological samples submitted to them for the presence or absence of certain DNA strains.

Medical Laboratory Technologist: Also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Technologists perform chemical, biological, haematological, immunological, microscopic and bacteriological tests, as well as develop new test methods, etc.

Clinical Geneticist: They are physicians their specialization is in the diagnosis and Treatment of Genetic Diseases. Laboratory-based tasks related to such diseases may also include in their job.

Genetic Counsellor: The counsellors’ main job is to provide support and information on a variety of genetic diseases. Their responsibilities include integrating treatment for those with birth disorders, as well as the patients counselling who have any hereditary problems.

You must have to be a Certified Genetic Counselor from a renowned institute to have a career as a genetic counselor. Nowadays due to the increase in gene-based therapies and wellness treatment Genetic counselors are in demand. There work majorly involves evaluating the patients family history (Pedigree analysis), identifying any potential risk of disease, producing reports, etc.

Research Geneticist: Jobs are available at private laboratories, govt. agencies, and other research organizations. The research is mainly focused on the inherited characteristics of humans, animals, and plants. Their analyses and experiments sum-up to the Development of New Products and the existing knowledge pool.

Forensic Science Research Scientist/ Associates– To identify and analyze the evidence from potential crime scenes you will be working with the law enforcement firms. This majorly involves analyses of skin sample, DNA samples, etc and to identify the potential culprit of the crime producing relevant data.

Plant Breeder/ Geneticist: To enhance characteristics of crops and plants such as resistance to diseases, crop yield, appearance, etc they use their advanced genetics expertise. For this, in laboratory conditions they scientifically assess plant breeding.

I’m sure you must have heard about Genetically Modified Crops, well this is where the geneticist play role in food & agriculture. The scientist works towards making new varieties and manipulating the plant’s genes. It is not limited to plants, to get a better variety the scientist work on animal breeds also. They give improved yields and produce varieties which can tolerate harsh environmental conditions.

Education: Genetics teachers in schools and universities are in high demand. They work at various levels, depending on their qualifications.

Scientific Researcher – One can work on a project involving the study of various genes and their correlation after having a doctoral degree. It helps in paving the way towards new discoveries like CRISPR gene editing. To understand the living beings in the universe the famous Human Genome Project marks the substantial role genetic scientists have played over a decade.

Medical Scientist – The medical scientist work towards studying genetic diseases especially those with hereditary conditions. This majorly focuses on research related to medical issues. For treating these diseases and giving someone a better life they look forward to solutions.

Scientific Writer – If you have the enthusiasm to write and express your views on your niche field then writing can take it further. Scientific writing is a very lucrative career in the coming years as it offers you to learn while you earn.

What personality characteristics or skills should a geneticist possess?

If you want to be favorable at the job, you must have a Good Communication Skills, patience, & perseverance. Good Geneticists have a curiosity and passion related to the genetic basis of health and disease. Those students in concerned to make their career in genetics, should take mathematics and science as possible in the high school and college.

Who Hires Geneticists? Where Do They Work?

In the Field of Biomedical, biology, and life Sciences there are a lot of Career Opportunities. For a genetics degree holder the job opportunity is continuing to expand. There is insufficiency of genetic employees, that’s why the Demand of Genetics continues to increase. For many different types of employers Geneticists can work in various capacities. After studying genetics course some employment area where you work:

• Hospitals
• Military
• DNA Forensics Department
• Universities
• Consultancies
• Pharmaceutical Industry & Suppliers
• Agricultural Firms
• Research Institutes
• Animal Breeding Industry

Some of the Job Profiles are:

• Assistant Professor
• Genetics Laboratory Technician
• Clinical Geneticist
• Regulatory Process Manager
• Biotech Sales Engineer
• Consultant
• Museum Educator
• Nutritionist
• Pharmaceuticals
• Senior Scientific Officer
• Principal Plant Breeder
• Channel Enablement Specialist
• Data Specialist – Advanced Analytics
• Technical Solution Manager

In India some of the major employers geneticist are:

• Tata Memorial Centre
• Indian Society of Cell Biology
• Bcs-Insilico Biology
• All India Institutes of Medical Sciences
• MapMyGenome & other genetic testing companies
• Lifecell International Private Ltd
• Datar Cancer Genetics Limited
• The Inst. of Genomic and Integrative Biology, Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
• National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute
• ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases
• Apollo Hospitals
• DNA labs India
• Indian Council of Medical Research
• CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
• Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
• Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

Salaries in Genetics

In Genetics Field the salary packages mainly depends on skills, knowledge, and experience.

In India

• Salary varies between 2-2.8 Lakh per annum for entry level jobs or during training period 
• Research Associates salary ranges between 3-5 Lakh per annum
• Salary in private company varies between 6-9 Lakh per annum for Junior Scientists.
• Salary in private company varies between 15-16 Lakh per annum for Senior Scientists.

Abroad

• Doctoral Researchers gets a package of more than 22 lakh per annum.
• Postdoctoral Researchers earn a package of more than 50 Lakh per annum.

Pros and Cons of being a Geneticist

Pros

• Experts get unlimited requests for various works.
• The field is quickly developing, and there are various research openings, both in India and abroad.
• Occupations are accessible in different enterprises, for example, pharmaceuticals, fabricating, medicinal services, and so forth.

Cons

• The instructive way for the profession is long. A PhD degree is also required.
• It includes investing the vast majority of your time and energy in the research centre.
• It may be challenging to get into the profession, as it requires broad information, aptitude and training.
• The work may open people to dangerous and poisonous substances.

What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?

There are many Job Openings in the Field of Science, biomedical and life sciences. The opportunity for work as a Genetics degree holder is still to grow. The genetics workers are not adequate currently, that is the reason the interest of Genetics keeps on expanding. Geneticists can work in different capacities concerning various sorts of businesses. Some employment sectors where you work after pursuing Genetics course are:

• Clinics
• Military
• DNA Forensics Department
• Colleges
• Consultancies
• Pharmaceutical Industry and Suppliers
• Agrarian Firms
• Research Institutes
• Creature Breeding Industry
• A portion of the Job Profiles are:
• Collaborator Professor
• GeneticsLaboratory Technician
• Clinical Geneticist
• Administrative Process Manager
• Biotech Sales Engineer
• Specialist
• Historical centre Educator
• Nutritionist
• Pharmaceuticals
• Senior Scientific Officer
• Chief Plant Breeder
• Channel Enablement Specialist
• Information Specialist – Advanced Analytics
• Specialized Solution Manager

Should you pursue a career in Genetics?

As a part of the Field of Genetics, both in India and overseas, you’ll get diverse opportunities to work on and lead advanced research projects. In various industries jobs are available, such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, etc.

At the same time, you should understand that since the work of a Geneticist is primarily research-based, you’d have to spend a lot of time in laboratories and indoors. For the Career the Educational Path is also long, as a PhD is generally preferred.

So, if you think you have the scientific aptitude, patience, and a love for biology, why not consider going this route? Embark on an exciting journey of unveiling the mysteries hidden within genes.

Conclusion

Genetics as a Career is in high demand due to the improvement of precision based medicine and wellness therapies. Nowadays, people be apt to get their genetic profiling done to assess any tendencies for future complications and change their lifestyle accordingly to avoiding such conditions. Every field including genetics has a lot of opportunities however your achievements depends upon your interpersonal skills.