Science students with keen interests in the in-depth study of genes and the heredity processes consider taking up a modern branch of Biology to become Geneticists. Specifically and initially, they pursue a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, an undergraduate program focused on the study of heredity and of how mechanisms of living bodies pass on genes and traits through generations, albeit with biological variations.
The undergraduate course usually lasts for 3 years, spent learning about the cellular and molecular aspects of various Life Science subjects such as Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Regeneration and Evolutionary Biology among other similar topics. Generally, studies delve on genetics, genetic analysis, chromosome theory and issues related to disease development and population evolutions. Fields of concentration are courses in Microbiology, Zoology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, which is just to name examples of specializations offered by universities.
Completing a degree in Bachelor of Science in Genetics prepares a graduate for entry level positions in building a career as an academic researcher, educator, tech support, including technical writing and marketing in the fields of medicine, health sciences, agriculture, and biotechnology. A graduate of BSc Genetics with excellent backgrounds as students of the program can qualify to enter a medical or veterinary school or pursue masteral and/or doctoral degrees.
Career Opportunities Available to Geneticists
Geneticists use their knowledge of molecular, mathematical, biochemical, and bioinformatics in investigating how genes determine distinctive traits. These genomic approaches are among the most significant accomplishments in the history of science as they have significantly achieved advancements in the improvement of human health and well being.
Geneticists find work in laboratories of pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research facilities, universities, consulting firms, government agencies and other institutions that aim to have relevance in a rapidly and continuously changing world.
They usually find entry level positions as Assistant Research Specialists who perform lab work under the supervision and guidance of a senior scientist. Their goal as Research Analysts is to solve problems by developing new products or processes, and by designing, executing, experimenting and analyzing experiments. They also prepare documentations and reporets related to their research work, which include recommendations formulated on the basis of their analyses.
A Geneticist employed as Research Specialist typically earns an average compensation of $78, 900 annually, but depending on the location and industry of the employer as well as the experience level of the Geneticist. According to Payscale, the lowest pay range starts at $51K per year while the highest pay is from $150K per year.
Germany, which historically has been involved in many genetic researches, has the highest job openings for geneticists in various private companies. Examples of the leading employers of Geneticists in Germany are Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH and Siemens AG. In 2017, German universities topped the World University ranking for genetic researches. Those looking for job openings as geneticists are advised to check the message boards of companies and not to lose time sending their resume along with a well-written Cover or Application Letter. .
Lebenslauf schreiben lassen (write a resume); or if you’re not confident about your ability to write an application letter that will merit an invite for an interview, have a professional write it for you. A Germany-based website called Gekonnt Bewerben, offers application-letter writing services with claims of 95% success rate in getting their clients invited for an interview.