Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Genetic scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.,

Dennis Doverspike Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical genetic scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for genetic scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24.8% of genetic scientist resumes contained next-generation sequencing as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a genetic scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

11 genetic scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Next-Generation Sequencing

Here's how genetic scientists use next-generation sequencing:

Led execution of research evaluation study to prepare Small-RNA sequencing libraries from clinical samples for Next-Generation sequencing.
Developed and implemented computational pipelines and methods to process and analyze next-generation sequencing data including.

2. Molecular Biology

Here's how genetic scientists use molecular biology:

Planned and completed experiments utilizing molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry techniques to discover and develop novel neurological disease targets.
Performed new method development using literature search and molecular biology techniques for the toxicology research (Drug Safety Evaluation).

3. RNA

A Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has a vital role in determining the biological macromolecule commonly found in all bodily cells. It is the synthesis of protein, carriers message instruction from the Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. RNA is a kind of single-stranded cell that has different forms. It allows the molecule to go back and forth to its original condition.

Here's how genetic scientists use rna:

Established Standard Operating Procedures of newly implemented protocols involving the amplification, sequencing, and analysis of viral RNA and DNA.
Developed a binding experiment utilizing fluorescence polarization to screen discovery compounds for interaction with various RNA constructs.

4. QC

Quality control is a set of instructions or procedures to ensure a manufactured product or a service is up to the highest quality standards. This set of quality control criteria are either defined by the clients or the company itself.

Here's how genetic scientists use qc:

Adhere to laboratory quality control policies, document all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibration and instrument maintenance.
Coordinated and performed commercial release testing of marketed product at manufacturing site in QC environment to address FDA audit observations

5. Biological Sciences

Here's how genetic scientists use biological sciences:

Excelled in laboratory skill battery and commended for excellence and depth of knowledge in biological sciences.

6. Cell Culture

Here's how genetic scientists use cell culture:

Mentored junior scientists in cell culture technology and cellular biology and provided support in troubleshooting, and atypical issue resolution.
Created tracking tables that allowed evaluation of materials and protocols used which facilitated formulating strategies for meeting cell culture challenges.

7. Sops

A standard operating procedure or simply SOP is a particular operation that needs to be done in accordance with the rules and guidelines of a company or an industry. It is an important way for a company to run smoothly, especially in small businesses. It is like a practice wherein everything an individual or an employee is under a particular standard that is implemented.

Here's how genetic scientists use sops:

Generated genetically modified mouse ESC lines along with contributions and improvements to the lab's SOPs.
Experience in preparation and revision of QC SOPs,.

8. PCR

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, a tool to make millions of copies of a target part of DNA. Polymerase chain reaction involves the process of heating and cooling. The process takes place using a machine, which helps in heating and cooling off the substances. The purpose of heating exists to separate the DNA into two single strands.

Here's how genetic scientists use pcr:

Co-developed novel PCR method for directed molecular evolution resulting in a patent application.
Co-developed sample preparations for real-time PCR screening of salmonella on tomatoes and in dog food.

9. Extraction

Here's how genetic scientists use extraction:

Developed extraction processes for naturally-occurring cholesterol-lowering compounds.
Perform sample analysis with 96-well plate format high-throughput automatic equipment for protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction and solid phase extraction etc.

10. Cap

Here's how genetic scientists use cap:

Participated in preparing molecular pathology laboratory for CAP accreditation.

11. Analyze DNA

Here's how genetic scientists use analyze dna:

Analyze DNA sequencing for mutations.

What skills help Genetic Scientists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What genetic scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.

Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Quinnipiac University

The first and foremost would be Critical Thinking. We live in a world where facts can be easily acquired, sometimes even by asking Siri/Alexa/ChatGPT/Google/etc. But critical thinking is timeless and priceless. I can ask anyone on the street what xyz is and they can look it up, but can they provide advice or interpret.

Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""

*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government

What type of skills will young genetic scientists need?

Dennis Doverspike Ph.D.

Chief People Scientist, Doverspike Consulting/HR LItehouse

Seemingly a paradox, there will continue to be a need for very general, but highly fungible, skills and demand for too specialized skills, requiring advanced education. Coding, statistics, and data analysis related skills will remain a hot growth area. The aging of the baby boomers will create demand for medical and healthcare-related regions, especially nursing, nursing aides, and emergency services. Despite the automation of many people facing jobs, there will continue to be a demand for interpersonal and people skills, including various types of sales. The switch to remote work, due to COVID, will create a substantial future market to fill the leadership and managerial skills gap. In many areas of Technology and engineering, it is already challenging to find a combination of technical knowledge and people skills, and this demand will intensify.

Do you want to know more?

List of genetic scientist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a genetic scientist resume and required skills for a genetic scientist to have include:

Next-Generation Sequencing
Molecular Biology
RNA
QC

Biological Sciences
Cell Culture
Sops
PCR

Extraction
Cap
Analyze DNA

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Genetic Scientist
Genetic Scientist Skills

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs