Careers in Genetics and Related Fields Genetics is a relatively new area of science. The current focus on new discoveries in genetics - through the Human Genome Project and other research - is creating an explosion of new job opportunities within the field. This list of careers in genetics is not a complete list of all opportunities available, but it provides a sample of some of the careers of people involved in genetics. New jobs and fields will continue to form as new information and applications are revealed. Medical Geneticist and/or Researcher Description: Medical genetics is the application of genetics to human diseases. It encompasses various different areas, including laboratory science, diagnostic science and clinical science. A student desiring to become a geneticist working in basic research should study math, chemistry and physics in high school and college in addition to biology. In college, students would normally major in biology or genetics. However, students majoring in any one of the physical sciences with a minor in biology could also enter graduate school in genetics. A Ph.D. is required for board certification as a medical geneticist. Students in a Ph.D. program in genetics would usually be supported by fellowships that cover tuition and living expenses. During the first and possibly second year of Ph.D. training, students take advanced courses in genetics and begin a research project. For the remaining two to four years of training, students carry out original research under the direction of a faculty member. After obtaining the Ph.D. degree, most graduates do research as postdoctoral fellows for two to four years, during which time they are supported by fellowships or research training stipends. Individuals would then be qualified to assume faculty positions at academic institutions or join the staff of a research institute or biotechnology firm. Requirements:Doctoral program in cytogenetics, molecular genetics, population genetics or other area followed by a genetics fellowship in an ABMG accredited program. Information courtesy the American Society of Human Genetics. Clinical Geneticist and/or Researcher Description: Clinical geneticists are involved in the diagnosis, management and treatment of genetic diseases. Clinical geneticists usually have an M.D. degree. Therefore, undergraduates would need to satisfy the requirements for medical school admission. A major in the biological or physical sciences may be desirable, although not necessary, provided the admission requirements are fulfilled. After medical school, a residency in pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology or internal medicine should be completed, followed by a fellowship in clinical genetics. Currently, most residency programs are three to five years; fellowships are an additional two or three years. Individuals would then be qualified for positions in research centers, hospitals or medical centers. Requirements: Medical school with residency in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics or other area followed by a genetics fellowship in an American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) accredited program. Information courtesy the American Society of Human Genetics. Laboratory Geneticist (DNA, cytogenetics, molecular, research, forensic laboratories) Description: A laboratory geneticist applies genetics "hands on" to a variety of important problems. 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. Genetic laboratory directors usually hold Ph.D. or M.D. degrees with specialization in laboratory medicine. Most genetic laboratory technologists have four to six years of university education. Some genetic laboratories require their staff members to have specific training and certification in cytogenetic or medical technology. Other genetic laboratories will hire people with any relevant B.S. or M.S. degree as long as they can show an aptitude for the kind of work that is being done. Genetics Laboratory Research Assistant Requirements: Master's degree in genetics/biological science. Genetics Laboratory Technician Requirements: Bachelor's degree in genetics/ biological science. Information courtesy the American Society of Human Genetics. Genetic Counselor Description: Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families and individuals who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family or individual. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling. Requirements: Master's degree from an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) accredited program in human genetics/genetic counseling. Information courtesy the American Society of Human Genetics. Professional Genetic Societies: American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) and American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC) Phone: 301-571-1825 Fax: 301-530-7079 9650 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814-3889 E-mail: srobinson@acmg.faseb.org National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Phone: 903-872-7608 233 Canterbury Drive Wallingford, PA 19086 E-mail: nsgc@aol.com Bioinformatician Description: Bioinformatics melds molecular biology and computer science. Computers are used to gather, store, analyze and integrate biological and genetic information, which can then be applied to gene-based drug discovery and development. The need for bioinformatics capabilities has been precipitated by the explosion of genomic information resulting from the Human Genome Project. The goal of this project - determining the sequence of the entire human genome (approximately three billion base pairs) - will be reached by the year 2003. The science of bioinformatics is essential to the use of genomic information in understanding human diseases and in the identification of new molecular targets for drug discovery. In recognition of this, many universities, government institutions and pharmaceutical firms have formed bioinformatics groups, consisting of computational biologists and bioinformatics computer scientists. Such groups will be key to unraveling the mass of information generated by large scale sequencing efforts underway in laboratories around the world. To learn more, visit BioPlanet, the Bioinformatics Home Page: www.bioplanet.com. Technical Writer Description: There are many opportunities for people interested in writing about the advances in and implications of genetic research. Writers may be required to have a background in the sciences, such as biology, or, depending on the position, may have a communications or English degree and experience working with "high tech" material. Societies for Technical Writers: America Medical Writers' Association Phone: 301-493-0003 9650 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814-3998 Web address: www.cais.com/amwa/ Society for Technical Communication Phone: 703-522-4114 Fax: 703-522-2075 901 N. Stuart Street Suite 904 Arlington, VA 22203 E-mail: stc@stc-va.org For more in-depth information about careers in genetics and related fields, click here to read our Interviews with people in the field.