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Geneticists study genes to work out how cells and organisms behave.
You could work: evenings / weekends;
In your day-to-day duties you may:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work at a university, in a laboratory or at a research facility.
You can get into this job through:
You'll need a life science degree or a postgraduate master's qualification in genetics, or a related subject which covers genetics.
Degrees and postgraduate courses include:
Employers may expect you to have, or be working towards, a PhD.
Integrated master's qualifications such as MBiolSci, MBiol or MSci can be studied at university. These courses combine independent research and can lead directly onto study for a PhD.
It's useful to gain experience of laboratory and research techniques during your degree through internships or year placements.
If you want to work in the NHS you can apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree where you can specialise in genomics work.
You'll usually need:
You may improve your career prospects by joining a professional body like The Genetics Society.
You can find out more about careers in genetics from:The Genetics Society; The British Society for Genetic Medicine
As a research geneticist, with experience you may be able to work your way up to laboratory supervisor or clinical study manager. Lecturing in a university or teaching may also be an option.
You could move into scientific sales or, with further studies, qualify as a genetic counsellor.
You may improve your career prospects by joining a professional body like The Genetics Society.
You can find out more about careers in genetics from The Genetics Society and the The British Society for Genetic Medicine.