Geneticists
19-1029.03

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Sample of reported job titles: Cardiovascular Geneticist, Medical Geneticist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
87
 
Core
Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
85
 
Core
Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
85
 
Core
Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
84
 
Core
Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
84
 
Core
Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
84
 
Core
Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
83
 
Core
Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
82
 
Core
Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
81
 
Core
Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
79
 
Core
Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.
79
 
Core
Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving processes such as gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.
66
 
Core
Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
66
 
Core
Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosis and management of genetic disorders.
63
 
Core
Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
63
 
Core
Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
59
 
Core
Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
57
 
Core
Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
57
 
Core
Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.
54
 
Core
Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.
67
 
Supplemental
Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.
53
 
Supplemental
Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.

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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 36%
     
    responded: Post-doctoral training required
  • 32%
     
    responded: Master’s degree required
  • 20%
     
    responded: Doctoral degree required

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Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
100
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
57
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Employment data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Industry data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Median wages (2022)
$41.97 hourly, $87,300 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
60,400 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
4,700
State trends
Top industries (2022)
Government (38% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

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