How to Become a Geneticist

About Geneticist

Geneticists are the professionals who study the inheritance traits in living body. They analyze the body at a molecular level to study genes of plants, animals and humans. They understand the evolution and duplication of cells.

A Geneticist is expected to work in laboratories to study genetic material. Advanced tools and technologies are used for the analysis of cell at a genetic level. These professionals are experts in applying their skills in research and development. Analysis of DNA, protein synthesis, exploring biological processes and finding nutrients in tissues are some of the job roles of a Geneticist.

Geneticists study genes of plants, animals and humans to determine how the genetic components interact with each other, evolve, and duplicate. They play an important role in treating people with genetic disorders. Some of them also analyze how the environmental factors are responsible for certain cause disease.

Geneticists in India Highlights

The candidates who are interested to make a career as Geneticists in India can check for the highlights below:

What does a Geneticist Do?

Geneticists study and observe genetic material, which requires working in a laboratory. Geneticists are responsible for the study of genetics and work with microscopes, DNA scanners, and other advanced tools. 
They are responsible for planning and conducting experiments on complex projects in basic and applied research. They also manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of work. The isolation, analysis, and synthesis of proteins, fats, and DNA are also considered the work of Geneticists. Sometimes a Geneticist needs to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and other colleagues to conduct experiments, research and present results. 

Eligibility to become Geneticist

The minimum requirements to become a Geneticist are explained below: -

• To become a Geneticist, a candidate must hold a bachelors degree in medicine, genetics or any allied discipline.
• Master’s degree in the relevant course/ stream is highly preferred for better opportunity and growth.
• Those who wish to go for research work must go for a PhD degree.
• Candidates with some years of experience are preferred for job role as a Geneticist

When and How to Start?

During the course intake and even after the completion of course, the candidate must keep refining their skills and knowledge that will best suit for their job role.

After acquiring the required degree course, the candidate should look for a job opening in various sectors and organizations. They can apply based on the area of interest and the sector in which they are willing to work.

How to Become Geneticist in India

Geneticists is the study of genetic material and a perfect field for students who have an interest in Biology. Aspirants can start the preparation from school, however, interest and knowledge is required. Students who are in school and want to make a career as Geneticists must have Science - Biology after the 10th class. Students can make a career after completing graduation or post-graduation depending on their choice of job profile. 

How to Become Geneticist in India after 12th Class

Students who want to know how to make a career as a Geneticist after 12th class should know that Science - Biology is a compulsory subject. Once you complete the 12th class, you can choose the graduation courses. There are various entrance exams for admission to Genetics courses at the best colleges and universities. Check for the best undergraduate courses for genetics below: 

Undergraduate Courses to Become Geneticist:

Students can check for the top undergraduate Genetics courses below in the table. 

Entrance Exam for the Undergraduate Courses:

Students can check for the top undergraduate entrance exams to get enrolled into the best colleges below in the table. 

How to Become Geneticist in India after Graduation Degree

Students who have completed their graduation in Genetics or related field with the Science Biology in 12th class can opt for the post-graduation courses. The post-graduation in Genetics allows the students to get deep knowledge and expertise in the field of Genetics so they can make an excellent career as a Geneticist. 

Postgraduate Courses to Become Geneticists:

Students who are graduates and looking to pursue a higher degree can check for the top postgraduate Genetics courses below in the table. 

Entrance Exam for the Post-graduate Courses:

Students can check for the top entrance exams for higher degrees to get enrolled into the best colleges below in the table. 

How to Become Geneticist in India after Post-graduation Degree

Students who have completed their graduation and post-graduation in Genetics can pursue their doctoral degree. After the completion of PhD, students can find the best jobs and make a career even as a professor. 

PhD Courses to Become Geneticist:

Once the student completes the post-graduation they can pursue a doctoral degree. The top PhD courses for the students are mentioned in the table: 

Types of Job Roles Geneticist

Following are some of the job roles of a Geneticist: -

Genetic Counselors

A Genetic counsellor is an expert who counsels families, community and individuals about the genetic diseases and discussed with them the disease management options. They explain to them about the risks associated with a disease. 

Plant Breeder/ Geneticist

A plant breeder is a person who studies characteristics of seed and works to improve the characteristics of plants. They implement their knowledge of genetics for the crossing of plants. They ensure to keep the plants and crops disease-free and help them protect from pests and insects.

Research Scientist (Life Sciences)

They are the professionals who are responsible to collect scientific data and set up experiments to conduct scientific investigations in controlled environments. There are specializations in various disciplines like cancer studies, neurosciences, stem cell research, genomics, microbiology etc.

Clinical Scientist, Immunology

Clinical immunology scientist analyses the immune system to have an idea of disease, disorders and impact of any foreign particles on the body.  They are experts in handling patients with immunodeficiency, gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, allergic patients and immunologic disorders

Clinical Scientist, Genomics

A scientist working in genomics examines samples of patients' nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) to identify genetic and genomic disorders. They are responsible to deal with hereditary diseases or conditions. They are responsible to treat cancer or Cystic fibrosis patients.

Employment Sectors

Geneticists are professionals who play an important role in various sectors. Some of the sectors where they can find employment are as follows: -

• Healthcare
• Research Centres
• Agriculture Sector
• Laboratories 
• Animal Care Centres 

Recruiting companies

Following is the list of some organizations that hire Geneticists: -

• Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine
• Tata Institute for Genetics and Society
• Centre for Human Genetics
• Cancer Genetics Incorporation

Roles and Responsibilities of Geneticists

A Geneticist requires to do research, collect data, and present them. However, there are plenty more responsibilities for Geneticists during working at an organization or company. Some of the roles and responsibilities of Geneticists are mentioned below. 

• Geneticists are responsible for planning and conducting basic genomic and biological research. The research area can be the regulation of gene expression, metabolic networks, nucleic acid, protein complexes, and protein interactions. 
• The geneticist is responsible for the observation, review, and research methods of the genetic laboratory results. They are also responsible for the record of research methods, procedures, and results.
• A geneticist gathers the data and information to evaluate the data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations. 
• The geneticists maintain the laboratory safety programs and train staff in laboratory safety procedures and techniques. 
• They improve the genetic techniques in order to improve the results or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
• Geneticists conduct and observe family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for any disease.

Pay Scale/Salary of Geneticist

Payscale of a Geneticist varies depending on the job role. The following table shows the job roles of a Geneticist according to the job role: -

Fees to Become a Geneticist in India

Aspirants who wish to become a Geneticist in India need to complete their graduation or post-graduation in the field of Genetics. Students can appear in the exams to pursue a degree from the best colleges. Although the course fee depends on the college or university. Students can check for the average fees for different courses. 

• For students who want to pursue a certification or diploma course, the course can vary from 10,000 INR to 15,000 INR. 
• For the graduation courses in India for genetics, the fee can range from 20,000 INR to 5,00,000 INR. 
• The higher education or post-graduation courses in genetics in India such as MSc in genetics or M.Tech in genetics from top colleges can range between INR 30,000 and INR 3,50,000.
• The post-graduation courses fee can range from INR 30,000 and INR 3,00,000.

Internships & Certificates for Geneticists

To learn more about or to face real-time problems, aspirants can opt for an internship at any company or organization. The internship program allows a student to get to know how the organization works and what will be roles and responsibilities during the internship. The student also learns teamwork while having the opportunity to learn about the field of genetics. 

To perform well or to learn more, students can opt for distance learning courses or diploma courses. The IGNOU provides the best distance learning or online courses on genetics. 

Books & Study Material to Become Geneticist

Following are some of the popular books related to Genetics: -

•  Heredity Genetics and Genetical Diseases by R. N. Roy
• Genetics & Genomics In Nursing by Sharma Suresh K
• Genetics In Clinical Practice Symptoms, Diagnosis & Therapy by Sheth Jayesh
• Molecular Genetic Epidemiology: A Laboratory Perspective (Principles and Practice) by Ian N.M. Day (Editor)
• Genetics Analysis Of Genes and Genomes by Hartl DL

Pros of becoming a Geneticist

• It is a prestigious job and good for someone who wants to have constant growth in career.
• The salary scale of a Geneticist is high.
• There is an opportunity to get self-employed

Cons of becoming a Geneticist

• The profession demands long working hours
•  Advanced skills, knowledge and experience is required to become a successful Geneticist
•  It demands patience and good analytical skills.