Geneticists

19-1029.03

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
• Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
• Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
• Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
• Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
• Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
• Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
• Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.
• Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving processes such as gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.
• Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
• Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosis and management of genetic disorders.
• Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
• Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
• Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
• Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
• Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.
• Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.
• Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.
• Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.
• Design and maintain genetics computer databases.
• Participate in the development of endangered species breeding programs or species survival plans.
• Plan curatorial programs for species collections that include acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST; ClustalW; Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software; Insightful S-PLUS; Mendel; PHYLIP; RTI International SUDAAN; Sage Accounting Software; SAS 🔥; SAS JMP; SAS/Genetics; Ward Systems Group GeneHunter
• Application server software - GitHub 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Bioinformatics databases; Database software; HapMap; Microsoft Access 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Data mining software - Golden Helix HelixTree
• Development environment software - Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• File versioning software - Git 🔥
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Medical software - Plate reader software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Microsoft Visual C# .NET; Oracle Java 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python 🔥; R 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Operating system software - Linux 🔥; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Research genetic characteristics or expression.
• Plan biological research.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Record research or operational data.
• Prepare proposal documents or grant applications.
• Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Attend conferences or workshops to maintain professional knowledge.
• Analyze biological samples.
• Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
• Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Establish standards for medical care.
• Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.
• Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
• Research diseases or parasites.
• Develop technical or scientific databases.
• Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.