What does a geneticist do?
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.
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:
- Cook Children's Medical Center4 geneticists jobs
- Phoenix Children's2 geneticists jobs
- Health Alliance2 geneticists jobs
Compare different geneticists
Geneticist vs. Clinical molecular genetics laboratory director
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
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?
Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs/Director of Career Services, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Geneticist vs. Molecular geneticist
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
Updated January 8, 2025