How to hire a genetic scientist

How to hire a genetic scientist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step genetic scientist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a genetic scientist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new genetic scientist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a genetic scientist job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your genetic scientist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a genetic scientist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A genetic scientist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, genetic scientists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of genetic scientist salaries for various roles:

   Type of Genetic Scientist	Description	Hourly rate
   Genetic Scientist	Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.	$28-60
   Doctoral Fellow	A doctoral fellow is a physician that has completed studies and receives a fellowship to cover his/her or her expenses while completing his/her or her medical dissertation. A doctor fellow undergoes this fellowship to get additional training for their chosen sub-specialty... Show more	$18-34
   Fellow	A fellow's responsibility will depend on the organization or industry where one belongs. However, most of the time, a fellow's duty will revolve around conducting research and analysis, presiding discussions and attending dialogues, handle lectures while complying with the guidelines or tasks set by supervisors, and assist in various projects and activities... Show more	$22-44

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Next-Generation Sequencing
   • Molecular Biology
   • RNA
   • QC
   • Biological Sciences
   • Cell Culture
   • Sops
   • PCR
   • Extraction
   • Cap
   • Analyze DNA

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
   • Create PCR assays by selecting primers, enzymes, establishing thermo-cycler protocols, and verifying results through electrophoresis and DNA ladders.
   • Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
   • Evaluate patient samples to identify biomarkers providing the development of asthma patient stratification methods.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your genetic scientist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A genetic scientist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, genetic scientists' average salary in louisiana is 59% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level genetic scientists 53% less than senior-level genetic scientists.
   • Certifications. A genetic scientist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a genetic scientist's salary.

   Average genetic scientist salary

   $86,662yearly

   $41.66 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level genetic scientist salary

   $59,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 30, 2026

   Average genetic scientist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$125,643	$60
   2	California	$124,899	$60
   3	California	$124,847	$60
   4	California	$109,522	$53
   5	Massachusetts	$89,528	$43
   6	Massachusetts	$89,485	$43
   7	Maryland	$79,137	$38
   8	Maryland	$78,618	$38
   9	Maryland	$78,600	$38
   10	New York	$77,272	$37
   11	New York	$77,253	$37
   12	New York	$77,103	$37
   13	Washington	$74,314	$36
   14	Florida	$60,609	$29
   15	Kansas	$56,202	$27
   16	Missouri	$48,597	$23

   Average genetic scientist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	23andMe	$110,022	$52.90	3
   2	Biogen	$104,216	$50.10	1
   3	Regeneron	$94,692	$45.52	42
   4	Etalon	$87,677	$42.15
   5	Asimov	$87,677	$42.15	1
   6	California	$87,677	$42.15	7
   7	Eurofins	$86,906	$41.78	103
   8	Mount Sinai Health System	$83,465	$40.13	11
   9	Allen Institute	$79,341	$38.14	10
   10	The University System of Maryland Foundation	$65,555	$31.52

4. Writing a genetic scientist job description

   A job description for a genetic scientist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a genetic scientist job description:

   Genetic scientist job description example

   About Us
   We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, we are currently seeking an Applied Genetics Scientist - Genomic Prediction to join our Vegetable and Flowers Seeds Development team in Durham, NC. Other Syngenta locations might be considered.
   
   In this role, you will closely collaborate with our teams around the globe with emphasis on:
   
   Implementing genomic prediction across stages of breeding pipelines to accelerate genetic gain in vegetable breeding
   
   Optimizing predictive ability for selection of traits to deliver on product profiles
   
   Monitoring germplasm structure and diversity to shape and optimize germplasm development process
   
   Accountabilities
   
   Lead genomic selection initiatives in collaboration with Germplasm Development teams focusing on predictive modeling for optimal selection of parents, progeny and hybrids and germplasm advancement
   
   Drive planning, design, coordination, analysis, and execution of genomic selection initiatives ensuring timely delivery during advancement cycles and within budget
   
   Influence adoption of genomic prediction methods, contribute towards their integration in the breeding process and the transformation of respective breeding schemes
   
   Continuously improve training sets and increase prediction accuracy to optimize selection schemes for target traits in alignment with product profiles and market segment needs
   
   Contribute towards the development of novel tools, modeling approaches and methodologies in partnership with Analytics and Data Science teams to drive continuous improvement of genomic prediction workflows and facilitate the delivery of enterprise level capabilities and IT solutions
   
   Develop germplasm strategies in collaboration with Germplasm Development teams by driving studies on germplasm characterization, structure, and diversity. Leverage analytics tools to derive insights that drive decisions on germplasm pools, trait deployment, germplasm development and exchange.
   
   Develop deep understanding of the crop(s) and respective market segments to ensure successful application of technology
   
   Keep up to date with internal and external scientific advancements in germplasm, genomic and data science toolbox and methodologies. Propose and lead development of new scientific knowledge and share experience across crops and functions.
   
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find genetic scientists for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your genetic scientist job on Zippia to find and recruit genetic scientist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with genetic scientist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new genetic scientist

   Once you have selected a candidate for the genetic scientist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a genetic scientist?