Geneticist
18AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST63%
NOT A FORECAST63%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Geneticist
Geneticists study DNA and genes to understand how they work and what they do. They use this knowledge to help cure genetic diseases, improve farming and food, and understand how living things develop and pass on traits.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
The role
As a geneticist, you study how genes work and what happens when they go wrong. You might work in a hospital helping to diagnose genetic diseases, in a research lab discovering new things about DNA, in agriculture improving crops, or in a university teaching and researching. You use science to solve real problems about health and life.
You'll design and run experiments, use lab equipment to look at DNA and genes, and analyse data to find patterns and problems. You read genetic tests and work out what they mean for a patient or crop. You collaborate with doctors, other scientists and computer experts. You need to be careful and precise, because errors matter in genetics. You might publish your findings or give talks at conferences, sharing what you've discovered with other scientists around the world.
Daily responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory experiments to analyze genetic material and identify genetic disorders.
- Utilize advanced software and bioinformatics tools to interpret genomic data.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement research projects.
- Publish findings in scientific journals and present research at conferences.
- Stay updated on the latest genetic research and technologies to inform ongoing projects.
- Engage with patients and families to provide genetic counseling and support.
- Develop and refine laboratory protocols to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Does a degree help here?
A UK degree in Biological Sciences or a related field is highly regarded, providing a solid foundation in genetics and access to world-class research facilities. Universities in the UK are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and strong industry connections, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.