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Geneticist

Occupation Information table
Overview: Geneticists study gene characteristics to understand inheritance and variation in forms of life. They perform experiments to determine the effects of environmental factors on genes and devise methods for altering genes. They may specialize in genetic counseling for family planning.
Duties: They conduct laboratory studies to discover methods of altering genes in order to breed animals and plants free of defects and more able to reproduce healthy offspring.

They study effects of environmental conditions or genes such as exposure to radiation, impact of certain types of medication, diets and injuries.

Conduct genetic analyses for and confer with potential parents to identify and counsel them about potential birth defects of their offspring.

They experiment with gene mutations to determine offspring ability to survive and reproduce. The determine long range impact of mutations on future generations.
Degree(s): A.S. Biotechnology 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is expected have little or no change from 2014 to 2024. For comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period is projected to be 5% to 8%.
Salary Range (National Average): $37,000 to $47,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: The usual requirement for an entry level position as a geneticist is a master' degree or Ph.D. in medical technology and biology. Courses in genetics, chemistry, microbiology, statistics and computer applications are essential. A bachelor's degree may qualify you for laboratory assistant positions in genetics.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.