Genetic Engineer | Careers in Public Health.net | Jobs …

For some, simply earning a good salary and enjoying strong job stability isnt enough to satisfy. Working in a field that allows them to have a major impact on the future of our species is something that is just as important as a paycheck. If this sounds like you, one option you may want to consider for your career is to become a genetic engineer.

While it isnt specifically a health oriented career like nursing would be, genetic engineering will have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of the planet. As such, the process to become one of these highly trained specialists involves hard work and dedication. Its not a perfect job for everyone, but for many it could be a dream career. Keep reading to learn more about the job and what it involves.

What Is a Genetic Engineer?

Genetic engineers are highly trained experts who use a variety of molecular tools and technologies to rearrange fragments of DNA. The overall goal in doing so is to add or remove an organisms genetic makeup for the better, or to transfer DNA code from one species into the other. The overall goal of this is to enhance organisms so that they are better able to thrive in certain environments. An example is when a plant is modified to thrive better in drought conditions or when a bacteria is adapted in such a way that it helps improve drug treatment.

Common job duties include:

The job involves a lot of things, and usually you will specialize in a very niche area of genetic science so that your attention is solely focused on that area throughout your career.

Characteristics

As with any other job, possessing a few personal skills will have a big impact on your ability to excel in the position. Here are some of the areas youll need to be strong in.

Nature of the Work

Genetic engineers rarely work outside a laboratory setting. The vast majority of the work is done in a lab, while some minor office work such as drafting reports and writing papers for publication may be handled at times.

Usually, genetic engineers work for private companies. Pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and even some hospitals or universities will often hire these professionals. Some government level jobs exist as well, and those who enter this field of work will usually have options when deciding where to focus their skills.

Education and Training

To become a genetic engineer, the bare minimum education requirement will be a bachelors degree in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or molecular genetics. However, in most cases it will be much more beneficial to have a masters or doctorate level degree in molecular genetics or molecular biology instead. Undergraduate degrees may provide an initial entry point into the field, but holding a PhD is the primary path used to enter the field and conduct your own work.

Additionally, experience of at least 3 years in the field under the direct guidance of a supervisor will also be used to help gain employment. Obviously, different employers will have their own specific requirements but the points above make a good example of what youll need to enter the field.

Salaries vary greatly, and generally run from $45,000 up to about $140,000. The average salary is about $82,800 annually. Again, your experience, your specific employer, and a variety of other things will have a big influence on your overall pay.

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