Geneticist
Also known as: geneticists, cytologist, genetics science researcher, genetics research scientist, genetics researcher, genetics analyst
About this occupation
Geneticists study and focus their research on genetics. They analyse the fashion in which genes interact, operate, and inherit traits and characteristics. Based on their research, they attend patients with inherited diseases and conditions, congenital malformations, and genetic matters at large.
A specialisation of biologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- report analysis results
- genetic engineering
- interpret laboratory data in medical genetics
- perform scientific research
- laboratory techniques
- apply scientific methods
- medical genetics
- evaluate genetic data
- decide on type of genetic testing
- biology
- scientific research methodology
- biotechnology
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Geneticists (O*NET 19-1029.03). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
- Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
- Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
- Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
- Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
- Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Doctoral Training
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Science, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$98,920 a year (2025), 55,850 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyExtremely important (4.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.5)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Doctoral Training
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Biologists
- Physicians, Pathologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Epidemiologists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.