Genetics career salary

For some, simply earning a good salary and enjoying strong job stability isn't enough to satisfy. Working in a field that allows them to have a major impact on the future of our species is something that is just as important as a paycheck. If this sounds like you, one option you may want to consider for your career is to become a genetic engineer.

While it isn't specifically a health oriented career like nursing would be, genetic engineering will have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of the planet. As such, the process to become one of these highly trained specialists involves hard work and dedication. It's not a perfect job for everyone, but for many it could be a dream career. Keep reading to learn more about the job and what it involves.

Genetic engineers are highly trained experts who use a variety of molecular tools and technologies to rearrange fragments of DNA. The overall goal in doing so is to add or remove an organism's genetic makeup for the better, or to transfer DNA code from one species into the other. The overall goal of this is to enhance organisms so that they are better able to thrive in certain environments. An example is when a plant is modified to thrive better in drought conditions or when a bacteria is adapted in such a way that it helps improve drug treatment.

The job involves a lot of things, and usually you will specialize in a very niche area of genetic science so that your attention is solely focused on that area throughout your career.

As with any other job, possessing a few personal skills will have a big impact on your ability to excel in the position. Here are some of the areas you'll need to be strong in.

Genetic engineers rarely work outside a laboratory setting. The vast majority of the work is done in a lab, while some minor office work such as drafting reports and writing papers for publication may be handled at times.

Usually, genetic engineers work for private companies. Pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and even some hospitals or universities will often hire these professionals. Some government level jobs exist as well, and those who enter this field of work will usually have options when deciding where to focus their skills.