What does a genomics scientist do?
Genomics scientists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for examining the samples of the nucleic acid of patients to identify genetic and genomic alterations that may cause inherited diseases or conditions. These scientists are required to examine cells for possible anomalies in the fetus where single-gene disorders have been identified through DNA analysis of families. They must conduct carrier testing and risk assessment for individuals who are at risk of single-gene disorders. Genomics scientists must also perform confirmation of diagnosis for patients with both inherited and acquired conditions.
Genomics scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real genomics scientist resumes:
- Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
- Generate sequence and genotyping data for SFP genetic map construction.
- Test different technical protocols to generate DNA size fractions and estimate sequence complexity.
- Amplify sequence, develop SNP markers and generate mapping data in QTL population.
- Develop protocols for producing random adaptor-ligate DNA library.
- Develop many HPLC cleaning/residue methods and coordinate method transfer.
- Conduct numerous developmental and reproductive toxicology studies in GLP environment.
- Facilitate vendor orders, GLP compliance and support experimentation applications.
- Develop characterization techniques for impurities and other degradation products to support drug formulation development using HPLC and GC.
- Adhere to laboratory quality control policies, document all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibration and instrument maintenance.
- Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
- Participate in various cross functional project teams to provide CMC expertise in regulatory strategy and post approval submissions.
Genomics scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Genomics Scientists are proficient in Data Analysis, NGS, and QC.
We break down the percentage of Genomics Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Analysis, 26%
Establish data analysis best practices to interpret molecular patient data and prioritize clinically-actionable genetic variants.
- NGS, 19%
Bench work Next generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation for Illumina Hiseq4000 and HiseqX10 and PacBio platforms.
- QC, 15%
Provided scientific QC for algorithmic methods of EST-derived gene prediction.
- PCR, 9%
Research included optimization of emulsion PCR, sequencing by ligation, and development of novel mate-paired library construction methods.
- Scientific Literature, 8%
Annotated new genes and researched scientific literature to support their predicted structure and functions.
- Assay Development, 6%
Performed assay development for medium throughput screens.
Most genomics scientists use their skills in "data analysis," "ngs," and "qc" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential genomics scientist responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a genomics scientist to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Additionally, a genomics scientist resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "coordinate biopsy and clinical studies to support technical claims substantiation and communication. "
Observation skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling genomics scientist duties is observation skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." According to a genomics scientist resume, here's how genomics scientists can utilize observation skills in their job responsibilities: "maintained a clean and safe work environment while making observations and calculations in a laboratory notebook. "
The three companies that hire the most genomics scientists are:
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.7 genomics scientists jobs
- Bristol-Myers Squibb2 genomics scientists jobs
- Medpace2 genomics scientists jobs
Compare different genomics scientists
Genomics scientist vs. Research fellow
A research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study. To become a research fellow, a candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant discipline and publish peer-reviewed papers. Also, a research fellow can be an independent investigator or be supervised by a principal investigator.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a genomics scientist are more likely to require skills like "ngs," "qc," "pcr," and "scientific literature." On the other hand, a job as a research fellow requires skills like "patients," "research projects," "cell culture," and "immunology." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, research fellows reach similar levels of education than genomics scientists. Research fellows are 1.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Genomics scientist vs. Laboratory analyst
A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that genomics scientist responsibilities requires skills like "ngs," "qc," "scientific literature," and "assay development." But a laboratory analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "test methods," "lab equipment," "lims," and "laboratory procedures."
In general, laboratory analysts achieve lower levels of education than genomics scientists. They're 10.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for genomics scientists in the next 3-5 years?
Sage Franetovich
Science Technology Engineering Math, Holyoke Community College
Genomics scientist vs. Postdoctoral research associate
A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from genomics scientist resumes include skills like "ngs," "qc," "pcr," and "scientific literature," whereas a postdoctoral research associate is more likely to list skills in "python," "research projects," "chemistry," and "post-doctoral. "
Most postdoctoral research associates achieve a similar degree level compared to genomics scientists. For example, they're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 13.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Genomics scientist vs. Quality control analyst
Quality assurance representatives are professionals who are responsible for ensuring the quality of units produced or manufactured is following the standards set by the industry. These representatives supervise the entire production process to identify erroneous methods or tools being used by workers and observing produced for visible defects. They are required to perform various tests to check for the durability of the product and other desirable characteristics. Quality assurance representatives must also collaborate with the manufacturing engineer to implement quality control programs and preparing training manuals and quality guidelines.
Types of genomics scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
