Genetics is the branch of biology that studies how genes, genetic variation, and heredity work in living things. Some careers for genetics majors require a bachelor’s degree, but many require higher-level degrees like a master’s or doctorate. Collegelearners will provide you with all the relevant information you are looking for bsc genetics jobs, genetics career path, what can i do with a bachelor’s degree in genetics, what do you do with a genetics degree, and so much more.
Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms. Genetics deals with the molecular structure and function of genes, gene behavior in context of a cell or organism (e.g. dominance and epigenetics), patterns of inheritance from parent to offspring, and gene distribution, variation and change in populations.
Genetics is an area of biology that deals with heredity and traits. Generally, it is the study of genes and how they influence an organism. This study can be applied to humans, animals and plants alike. Genetics is useful to know because it allows us to understand why certain traits are passed down from generation to generation, as well as how genetic differences can influence disease or development.
People who work in this field often get jobs in hospitals, research labs and universities. In addition, they may work for government agencies or private companies where they help develop new products.
Genetics is a field of biology that studies how traits are passed from parents to their children (offspring). The field of genetics aims to understand:
The mechanism of inheritance
How genes are expressed
How genetic differences lead to phenotypic (physical) differences
bsc genetics jobs
A genetics degree can lead to a career in health, scientific research or industry and also provides a range of skills that can be used in many other sectors
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Academic researcher
- Clinical research associate
- Clinical scientist, genomics
- Clinical scientist, immunology
- Genetic counsellor
- Pharmacologist
- Plant breeder/geneticist
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Research scientist (medical)
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Biotechnologist
- Epidemiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Medical sales representative
- Physician associate
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Science writer
Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.
Take a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would suit you
Work experience
Practical experience gained through work shadowing and placements in the laboratory or field may increase your chances of finding genetics-related work. It’s also useful to build up knowledge of the range of techniques used in the area. Some courses provide the opportunity for a year out in industry or with a research institute, or some form of shorter work placement either in the UK or abroad.
It’s a good idea to gain some experience within industry as well as academia so you can compare the two and decide which you prefer. Temporary work within a healthcare environment, for example in a hospital, may also prove useful in helping you explore career ideas.
You might decide to do some volunteering with organizations that specialize in researching genetic conditions or supporting people with inherited disorders.
Typical employers
Many careers relating to genetics are based in the health services, so employers tend to be hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and universities.
However, opportunities within food and drink companies, the health and beauty care industry, and research and consultancy companies are also available.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is comprised of seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research England. The Research Councils have laboratories that recruit scientists, but you’ll usually need a higher degree.
You may want to consider opportunities in industries related to biological sciences, such as biotechnology, biomedical research, agricultural and horticultural, conservation and environmental assessment. It’s also possible to use your skills in fields like teaching, business, finance and retail.
Find information on employers in healthcare, science and pharmaceuticals, and other job sectors.
Skills for your CV
Studying genetics provides you with specialist subject knowledge, as well as skills in scientific protocol, biological research and laboratory practice, which is essential if you intend to pursue a career in a genetics-related job.
Employers are also interested in the broader skills you acquire, such as:
- recording, analysis and interpretation of masses of scientific data
- logical thinking, numeracy and computing skills
- awareness of current issues and ethical debates
- communication skills including report writing and making presentations
- time management
- problem solving
- self-reliance and initiative
- business awareness
- teamwork and strong interpersonal skills.
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Further study
Many genetics-related employers value postgraduate study and the technical and research skills you develop to a higher level, as well as other transferable skills such as critical analysis and report writing. Postgraduate study at Masters and PhD level is particularly useful for jobs in research.
There are many options at postgraduate level to enhance the knowledge gained in your first degree. Some subjects are directly related, such as medical and molecular genetics, while others derive from genetics, like immunology and pharmacology.
For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search for postgraduate courses in genetics.
What do genetics graduates do?
The top five jobs held by genetics graduates include biochemists and biomedical scientists, laboratory technicians, secondary education teaching professionals and biological scientists.
Destination | Percentage |
---|---|
Employed | 45.3 |
Further study | 24.6 |
Working and studying | 12.7 |
Unemployed | 10.2 |
Other | 7.2 |
Graduate destinations for genetics
Type of work | Percentage |
---|---|
Science | 31.4 |
Retail, catering and customer service | 13.4 |
Business, HR and finance | 9.7 |
Education | 8.2 |
Other | 37.3 |
Types of work entered in the UK
what can i do with a bachelor’s degree in genetics
10 BEST JOBS FOR GENETICS MAJOR IN 2022
It can be hard to find the perfect job after you graduate from college. Luckily for students who graduated with a Genetics degree, we have got you covered. We found the jobs that most Genetics majors prefer by examining millions of job listings and 1,874 Genetics major resumes.
Find Genetics Major Jobs
1. Laboratory Technician
Starting Salary$27,000Job openings91,166Top Locations:Houston, TX; New York, NY; San Anonio, TX; Job Description:Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
2. Research Associate
Starting Salary$38,000Job openings68,790Top Locations:New York, NY; Washington, DC; San Diego, CA; Job Description:A Research Associate plans, organizes, and conducts research in scientific, cultural, historical, or artistic. They conduct literature, collect and analyze data, and recruit and/or interview new people.
3. Research Assistant
Starting Salary$28,000Job openings54,940Top Locations:New York, NY; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Job Description: A Research Assistant helps carry out a particular research agenda. They are generally found in the social science or laboratory setting.
4. Analyst
Starting Salary$58,000Job openings256,725Top Locations:New York, NY; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; Job Description:Management analysts, often called management consultants, propose ways to improve the efficiency of an organization. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
5. Research Internship
Starting Salary$18,000Job openings100,359Top Locations:New York, NY; Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Job Description:Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.
6. Scientist
Starting Salary$66,000Job openings67,185Top Locations:San Diego, CA; Cambridge, MA; Houston, TX; Job Description:Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
7. Associate Scientist
Starting Salary$59,000Job openings56,225Top Locations:Cambridge, MA; Rockville, MD; Richmond, VA; Job Description:Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
8. Laboratory Assistant
Starting Salary$26,000Job openings58,068Top Locations:New York, NY; San Diego, CA; Boston, MA; Job Description: Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
9. Geneticist
Starting Salary$32,000Job openings749Top Locations:Baltimore, MD; Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA;
10. Medical Technologist
Starting Salary$41,000Job openings104,346Top Locations:Houston, TX; Baltimore, MD; San Antonio, TX; Job Description:Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GENETICS DEGREE?
If you are someone who needs to follow a plan rather than applying for jobs willy nilly, then you have come to the right place. It might be helpful to know that we have created a career path map for Genetics majors to use to find career paths that they might have not thought about before. The map is a helpful tool to discover the career potential of your major.
GENETICS MAJOR JOBS
Rapid Micro BiosystemsProvidence, RIResearch Associate IISkills: New Applications, Disseminate Information, Procedures, Pipets, Automation Solutions, Laboratory Equipment, QC, Aseptic Technique
$56k-82k yearly est.
CargillFort Morgan, COFSQR Lab Technician HarvestSkills: Production Management
$24 hourlyVVitalantPittsburgh, PALab Technician – Full TimeSkills: Laboratory Equipment, High Complexity, Detail Orientation, Data Manuals, Clia, Communication, Certifications, Test Results
$54k-62k yearly est.
Baylor Scott & White HealthTemple, TXLab Tech IIISkills: Project Timelines, Educational Activities, External Customers, Software Applications, Effective Communication, Lab Tech, Phlebotomy, Clerical Support
$33k-40k yearly est.
Memorial HealthSpringfield, ILCath Lab Special Procedures TechnologistSkills: Consent Forms, BLS, Technologist, Cath Lab, Radiology, Requirements +, EP, Nuclear Safety
12d ago
$36k-47k yearly est.
AscensionNashville, TNEP Lab Tech PRNSkills: EP, Technologist, Procedures, CCI, Protocols, Image Processing, Arrt, BLS
$29k-37k yearly est.
CepheidRedwood City, CALab TechnicianSkills: GLP, PPE, Facility, Process Improvement, Procedures, Production Goals, Requirements Allocation, Public Health
$42k-53k yearly est.
Stanford MedicineAlameda, CAResearch Assistant (1 Year Fixed Term)Skills: Statistics Core, R, Literature Reviews, Institutional Review, Microsoft Office, Diverse Group, Summarize Data, Data Review
$51k-75k yearly est.VVitalantPittsburgh, PALab Technician – Now HiringSkills: Research Purposes, Internal Software, Customer Service, Aabb, Sops, Certifications, Blood Products, External Customers
$54k-62k yearly est.VVitalantPittsburgh, PALab Technician – Immediate OpeningSkills: Data Manuals, Written Communication, Complex Tests, Customer Service, High Complexity, Clia, Internal Software, Regulatory Agencies
$54k-62k yearly est.VVitalantPittsburgh, PALab Technician – Now HiringSkills: Compliance Issues, Clia, Test Results, Accurate Records, Written Communication, Clinical Laboratory Procedures, Communication, Customer Service
$54k-62k yearly est.VVitalantPittsburgh, PAMed Lab Tech -Sign On BonusSkills: Sops, Laboratory Equipment, Certifications, Internal Software, Basic Board, Clinical Laboratory Procedures, Appropriate Personnel, Compliance Issues
$54k-62k yearly est.VVitalantPittsburgh, PALab TechnicianSkills: High Complexity, Clia, Clinical Laboratory Procedures, Communication, Customer Service, Written Communication, Laboratory Equipment, Routine Maintenance
$54k-62k yearly est.
Baylor Scott & White HealthDallas, TXLab Tech 1Skills: Software Applications, Educational Activities, Laboratory Equipment, External Customers, Effective Communication
$32k-39k yearly est.
Baylor Scott & White HealthIrving, TXLab Tech 2Skills: Effective Communication, Software Applications, Laboratory Equipment, Educational Activities, External Customers, Phlebotomy
$32k-39k yearly est.
Baylor Scott & White HealthBelton, TXLab Tech 2Skills: Educational Activities, Laboratory Equipment, Phlebotomy, Software Applications, External Customers, Effective Communication
$33k-41k yearly est.
CepheidFremont, CALaboratory TechnicianSkills: Public Health, Genexpert, Facility, Teamwork, Procedures, Large Groups, Lab Equipment, Requirements Allocation
$42k-53k yearly est.
Stanford MedicineSanta Clara, CAResearch AssistantSkills: Neuroscience, Source Documents, Data Review, Literature Reviews, Procedures, Research Projects, Summarize Data, Theory
$51k-75k yearly est.
Stanford MedicineSan Lorenzo, CAResearch AssistantSkills: Literacy, Diagnosis, Matlab, Data Clean-Up, Organization System, Analyze Data, Data Management, Post-Doctoral
$51k-75k yearly est.
Stanford MedicineCaliforniaResearch AssistantSkills: Institutional Review, Summarize Data, Procedures, Protocols, Data Review, Research Projects, Pathophysiology, Reverse Engineering
AVERAGE SALARY FOR GENETICS MAJOR JOBS
Depending on the industry that Genetics majors work in, their salaries can vary significantly. In fact, we found that Genetics majors who work in the Technology industry have an average salary of $117,277, while those who work in the Education industry have an average salary of $53,673. If salary is the most important thing to you, then you should look for jobs in the Technology industry.
Rank | Industry | Average Genetics Salary | Genetics Salary Range |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Technology | $117,277 | $67k$144k |
2 | Professional | $100,929 | $67k$144k |
3 | Manufacturing | $95,883 | $67k$144k |
4 | Pharmaceutical | $88,592 | $67k$144k |
5 | Health Care | $84,651 | $67k$144k |