Molecular Genetics degree Jobs

What can you do with a degree in Molecular Genetics?

There are lots of exciting career opportunities for graduates of our Molecular Genetics program! In medicine, genetics is the basis for understanding the inheritance of genetic diseases, for providing counseling to families who are at risk of producing children with genetic defects, and for scientific investigations seeking to understand the molecular basis of genetic disease and to effect its cure. In agriculture, genetics is the basis of breeding new crop plants and livestock. A rapidly growing biotechnology industry is using genetics to produce a range of products from pharmaceuticals to microchips. Sensitive genetic tests are increasingly being employed in criminal cases to identify individuals from a drop of blood and in food testing to identify minute contamination by disease- causing organisms. Biologists use genetics to identify the genes that function in the life of the cell and those that control the development of a complex organism from a fertilized egg. Depending upon your level of education - B.S., M.S., Ph.D. or M.D., you can find many fascinating opportunities in the filed of molecular genetics.

Geneticists in Basic Research

A research geneticist usually obtains a Ph.D. in some aspect of genetics, and then performs research as a postdoctoral fellows for two to four years. After completion of the postdoctoral fellowship, the geneticist is then qualified to assume faculty positions at academic institutions, or to join the staffs of research institutes or biotechnology firms.

Laboratory Geneticists

Application of modern genetic technology to agriculture, legal or police work, pharmaceutical development, and clinical medicine requires the services of sophisticated laboratories. These laboratories are staffed by scientists trained in molecular biology, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, immunogenetics, and related disciplines. Genetics laboratory technicians usually possess B.S. degrees, while genetics laboratory research assistants typically have M.S. degrees. Genetic laboratory directors usually hold Ph.D. degrees or M.D. degrees with specialization in laboratory medicine. The career of a laboratory geneticist offers the opportunity to apply genetics "hands on" to a variety of important problems.