Careers In Genomics
Top Ten

Overview

Top Ten Careers in Genomics

DNA molecules are composed of four different nucleotides arranged in a specific sequence. DNA is the building blocks of all living organisms and contains delicate information, yet it is extremely durable and can withstand harsh environments. This allows it to be found in various places, ranging from inside your body in living cells to crime scenes, and even in dinosaur bones that are millions of years old.

Genomics, which is the study of the entire set of DNA in each organism, is a field that is evolving faster than you can imagine, creating new career opportunities every day.

Here is a closer look at ten of the top careers in genomics.

1

DNA Sequencing

If you come across some DNA, how would you identify who (or what) it belonged to? The first step in identifying the source of DNA is to find out the exact order of the nucleotides, which is a process known as “DNA sequencing”. DNA sequencing technology has developed tremendously in the past decade. Scientists are now able to sequence thousands of nucleotides in a few hours, whereas it took days to do the same amount of work just 10 years ago. While automation has helped with this process, laboratory technicians are still needed to process these samples, such as extracting and purifying the DNA, and preparing them for sequencing.

Occupation: Laboratory Technician

Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2

Data Processing

Once the DNA is sequenced, the data generated is usually saved as a large file containing the specific order of the nucleotides. Depending on the length of the DNA, this could be a jumble of hundreds to millions of A, T, G, and Cs. To make sense of this data, bioinformaticians use computer programs (and often code their own to fit their needs) that can identify and analyze these sequences of DNA, and generate databases to maintain this large amount of data.

Occupation: Bioinformatician/Programmer
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

For more information: The Bioinformatics Organization
http://www.bioinformatics.org

The National Center for Biotechnology Information
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

3

Independent Researcher

If the DNA sample came from a laboratory, the data will be returned to an Independent Researcher. Independent Researchers have laboratories at research institutes, hospitals, or universities, and are in charge of scientific research projects. In the field of genomics, this can be, for example, identifying genes or changes in DNA that put you at higher risk for certain cancers or investigating the genetic influence of a disorder. Depending on what type of institute they are at, independent researchers can wear different hats. For instance, at universities, they will be known as professors, and at hospitals, they may be doctors that treat patients, too.

Occupation: Independent Researcher
Entry-level education: Ph.D.

For more information:

National Human Genome Research Institute
https://www.genome.gov/researchatnhgri/

4

Patient Counseling

If the DNA sample came from a patient, the data will go back to the doctor’s office or hospital. Various genetic disorder screening methods are available based on DNA sequencing. Many of these have become routine such as fetal and newborn screening, especially based on familial history. Genetic counselors work with patients and family members identified to be at risk or carriers of a genetic disorder to help them better understand the results of their diagnosis and how to manage them. This includes helping to interpret the patient’s genetic information, reviewing available options, and identifying support groups.

Occupation: Genetic Counselor
Entry-level education: Master’s Degree

For more information:

National Society of Genetic Counselors
http://www.nsgc.org/

5

Forensic Science

In some cases, DNA samples are found in crime scenes as physical evidence. Forensic science is the use of scientific methods and technology in the investigation of crimes. Forensic scientists can be found at the crime scene collecting evidence or in the laboratory processing and analyzing these samples. While 99.99% of all humans share the same DNA, we can use the other 0.01% to distinguish individuals. This means the DNA sequence found in a crime scene can be matched to a suspect’s DNA. When we hear in the news that DNA from a crime scene has been matched to a potential suspect, we are witnessing the hard work of a forensic scientist.

Occupation: Forensic Scientist
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

For more information:

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
https://www.aafs.org/

6

Product Development & Support

For the analysis of DNA sequences, various applications and apparatus are needed from sample preparation to sequencing reactions. Scientists at biological science companies are responsible for creating new products, testing them to make sure they work correctly, and providing technical support to consumers.

Occupation: Product Developer, Technical Support
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

7

Patent Law

The development of new products entails the need to protect the intellectual property behind them. Patents grant the inventor legal rights for sole use of their invention for a certain number of years. In the United States, inventors need to apply through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to be granted a patent. Patent agents and patent attorneys help the inventors apply for and defend their patents. Patent examiners are employed by the USTPO to analyze the application and determine whether the invention is patentable.

Occupations:

Patent Agent
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

Patent Attorney
Entry-level education: J.D.

Patent Examiner
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

For more information:
United States Patent and Trademark Office
https://www.uspto.gov/

8

Bioethics and Science Policy

The abundant amount of genetic information helps us understand our history and health. However, without proper protection and regulations, it could be used against us. To protect us from these risks, bioethicists and policy makers work to develop and support policies and ensure regulations are in place. For instance, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which was passed into law in 2008, prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in the workplace and by health insurance issuers. If you are interested in biology and protecting our rights, you might have a career in bioethics and policy.

Occupations:

Bioethicist
Entry-level education: Master’s degree

Policy Maker/Analyst
Entry-level education: Master’s degree

9

Science Writing and Communication

Science writers help communicate new findings or topics of interest in science to the public or a targeted audience. Science writers can be employed to work on professional scientific journals, which are mostly read by scientists, or more broader publications, such as the New York Times or Washington Post. Scientific editors are generally employed by professional journals to review manuscripts submitted by the scientific community and determine whether they are appropriate for publication.

Occupations:

Science Writer
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

More information: https://www.nasw.org/

Scientific Editor
Entry-level education: Ph.D.

10

Science Education

We may be accustomed to learning science from our teachers at school, yet science education happens in other exciting venues as well, including museums and zoos. In addition, other organizations, such as universities, companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are often eager to communicate scientific issues with the local community. These diverse avenues of learning provide myriad opportunities to work as a science educator and help others learn about genomics and genetics.

Occupations:

K-12 Biology Teacher
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

Museum/Zoo Education Specialist
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

Science Outreach
Entry-level education: Bachelor’s Degree

For more information:

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
http://www.nabt.org/

The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC)
http://www.astc.org/

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
https://www.aza.org/