Post job

What does a geneticist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
John Turbeville Ph.D.

A geneticist studies genes and the inheritance of traits. They work in a genetic laboratory and conduct tests to diagnose or treat genetic diseases. They carry out experiments in an attempt to determine the origins and laws that govern a set of particular inherited traits. These traits manifest themselves as various medical conditions. They also attempt to seek out determinants that may be the cause of these traits.

On this page

Geneticist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real geneticist resumes:

  • Assist in design and set-up of SNP analysis system on Linux computer.
  • Design and test PCR primers; improve PCR techniques for maximum yield from primers.
  • Specialize in a number of genomics projects particularly in the creation of low- and high-density SNP chips and their analysis.
  • Perform radioactive PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for SSR discovery.
  • Develop first interactive animal colony database at NIDA-IRP using FileMaker software.
  • Develop of an inexpensive genotyping by next generation sequencing assay that result in a patent application.
  • Map molecular markers and QTL positions.

Geneticist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 29% of Geneticists are proficient in Development Process, PCR, and Disease Resistance.

We break down the percentage of Geneticists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Development Process, 29%

    Maintained detailed records throughout the research and development process.

  • PCR, 23%

    Designed and tested PCR primers; improved PCR techniques for maximum yield from primers.

  • Disease Resistance, 18%

    Directed a disease resistance breeding program of sugarbeets for insect-resistance.

  • Genetic Data, 16%

    Perform statistical analysis on relationship between genetic factors and disease risk using population using genetic data such as GWAS.

  • Genetic Analysis, 15%

    Performed genetic analysis to determine chromosomal and molecular abnormalities.

"development process," "pcr," and "disease resistance" are among the most common skills that geneticists use at work. You can find even more geneticist responsibilities below, including:

The three companies that hire the most geneticists are:

Compare different geneticists

Geneticist vs. Clinical molecular genetics laboratory director

We looked at the average geneticist salary and compared it with the wages of a clinical molecular genetics laboratory director. Generally speaking, clinical molecular genetics laboratory directors are paid $34,110 higher than geneticists per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between geneticists and clinical molecular genetics laboratory directors are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like uk, pcr, and dna.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between geneticists and clinical molecular genetics laboratory director. For instance, geneticist responsibilities require skills such as "harvest," "development process," "association studies," and "disease resistance." Whereas a clinical molecular genetics laboratory director is skilled in "translational," "molecular biology," "clinical genetics," and "molecular laboratory." This is part of what separates the two careers.

On average, clinical molecular genetics laboratory directors reach similar levels of education than geneticists. Clinical molecular genetics laboratory directors are 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Geneticist vs. Statistical geneticist

Statistical geneticist positions earn lower pay than geneticist roles. They earn a $1,512 lower salary than geneticists per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both geneticists and statistical geneticists have skills such as "r," "genetic data," and "genetic analysis. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that geneticist responsibilities requires skills like "uk," "harvest," "development process," and "association studies." But a statistical geneticist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "next-generation sequencing," "statistical methodology," and "genotyping."

Statistical geneticists earn similar levels of education than geneticists in general. They're 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for geneticists in the next 3-5 years?

John Turbeville Ph.D.John Turbeville Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs/Director of Career Services, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

This is harder for me to answer as an individual in an administrative role looking at the broad breadth of career fields within biology. While GIS, I would think, is an easy answer, I can't help but wonder, and hope, if we might not see an advancement of the in-person, field-based work traditionally associated with these career fields, and a blending of opportunities taking advantage of the strides everyone has made in remote/virtual communication tools. The thought of organizations breaking down barriers relative to space and place is an exciting idea, which I hope organizations look to leverage for the future.

Geneticist vs. Molecular geneticist

On average, molecular geneticists earn higher salaries than geneticists, with a $7,183 difference per year.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a geneticist is likely to be skilled in "uk," "harvest," "development process," and "association studies," while a typical molecular geneticist is skilled in "next-generation sequencing," "ngs," "rt-pcr," and "clinical laboratories."

When it comes to education, molecular geneticists tend to earn lower degree levels compared to geneticists. In fact, they're 8.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 16.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Geneticist vs. Clinical geneticist

Clinical geneticists tend to earn a higher pay than geneticists by an average of $116 per year.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A geneticist uses "uk," "harvest," "development process," and "association studies." Clinical geneticists are more likely to have duties that require skills in "genetic disorders," "nih," "metabolism," and "medical care. "clinical geneticists reach lower levels of education compared to geneticists, in general. The difference is that they're 20.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 22.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

What a geneticist does FAQs

Search for geneticist jobs

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs