Geneticists study the genetic composition of living organisms and attempt to explain how information is transferred from one cell to another and from one generation to the next.
What Does a Geneticist Do?
Geneticists study the inheritance of traits. They may focus on these events at the molecular, organism, or population level. Some treat people with genetic disorders. Many environmental geneticists try to understand how environmental factors or exposures interact with genes to cause disease.
Where Does a Geneticist Work?
Most geneticists find employment as research staff at university laboratories, government agencies, and hospitals. These jobs are available nationwide. Employment in the private sector is fairly rare.
Geneticists work a standard 40-hour week, usually in research laboratories and offices.
What Is the Average Geneticist Salary?
Geneticists earned an average annual salary of R 1099024.49 in 2013. The full salary range is R 522762.06 – R 1885510.12 annually, depending partly on location and type of employment. However, the National Human Genome Research Institute reports the median income for environmental geneticists specifically as R 886534.34annually.
What Is the Job Demand for Geneticists?
The government predicts that job demand for geneticists as a whole will see little or no change (-2% to 2%), and that competition for basic research positions will be strong.
Growth will likely be driven in part by advances in big data and hyper-computing that allow for analysis of large genetic and ecological datasets. Increased interest in the environment and an expanded focus on the medical aspects of genetics will also open up opportunities for environmental geneticists.
Below is How to Become A Geneticist In South Africa
Earn a bachelor’s degree
A geneticist’s career starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or genetics. Common coursework includes general education classes like English, history and math, and science classes like biochemistry, molecular chemistry, microbiology, horticulture, botany, zoology and genetics.
During your program or once you graduate, you can pursue internships or part-time jobs at laboratories to start gaining experience. Try to specifically seek genetic labs to gain relevant experience.
Earn a master’s degree
It’s possible to be a research geneticist with a master’s degree in genetics. This program takes about two years to complete and involves coursework in molecular biology, chromosomes and genomes, DNA technology and genetics of different life forms. Most programs also include a semester of hands-on clinical work in a lab setting.
Earn a master’s degree
It’s possible to be a research geneticist with a master’s degree in genetics. This program takes about two years to complete and involves coursework in molecular biology, chromosomes and genomes, DNA technology and genetics of different life forms. Most programs also include a semester of hands-on clinical work in a lab setting.
Determine your personal requirements
Geneticists need certain personal attributes depending on their role. Laboratory geneticists need characteristics like critical thinking and perseverance to follow logical chains of information and analyze large amounts of data. Medical geneticists who work with patients need attributes like empathy and compassion so they can comfort and relate to their patients.
Below are types of medical geneticists in South Africa
Medical geneticists are physicians who treat and diagnose genetic diseases like hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma and other illnesses caused by DNA alterations. Medical physicians can also work in a laboratory research role. There are four types of medical geneticists certified by the American Boar of Medical Genetics:
Clinical molecular genetics: Laboratory-based role that focuses on DNA mutations
Clinical biochemical genetics: Laboratory-based role that focuses on inborn errors of metabolism
Clinical cytogenetics: Laboratory-based role that focuses on abnormalities in chromosomes
Clinical genetics: Physician-based role that focuses on treating and diagnosing patients
Skills for a geneticist in South Africa
There are many soft skills and hard skills that geneticists need, including:
Time management: Geneticists have deadlines to meet while conducting research, so they need to prioritize tasks and manage their time while still producing quality work.
Problem-solving: Geneticists find solutions to complicated scientific issues using experiments and analyzing data.
Perseverance: Geneticists use trial-and-error methods and need to be thorough in their research, which takes perseverance to continue working and trying new processes.
Mathematics: These professionals regularly use complex formulas and equations, and they need an understanding of statistics, calculus and general math.
How long does it take to become a geneticist in South Africa?
The Medical Genetics MMed programme is a four-year, full-time professional Masters degree (NQF level 9).
Where can I study genetics in SA?
Bachelor’s Degrees in Genetics in South Africa
45 Genetics Bachelor’s in South Africa. B.Sc. Food Science. University of Pretoria. Pretoria, South Africa. B.Sc. Biochemistry. University of Pretoria.
45 Genetics Bachelor’s in South Africa. B.Sc. Food Science. University of Pretoria. Pretoria, South Africa. B.Sc. Biochemistry.
How do I become a medical geneticist in South Africa?
Medical Genetics The Master of Medicine in the field of Medical Genetics is a four year, full time degree. Registrars are required to write a Part 1 and Part 2 examination, both offered through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa in order to obtain a Fellowship in Medical Genetics.
What is the salary of a geneticist in South Africa ?
As a geneticist you can expect an annual salary of R 1511309.81 (+ bonus) as the average across all industries and experience levels, with a salary growth of ~2.0% per year. The typical entry level salary of scientists commences at R 1133482.36 and ranges up to R 1964702.75for experienced workers.
How long does it take to become a medical geneticist in South Africa ?
If you want to become a clinical geneticist, you will first need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Afterward, you will need to graduate from a medical school, which usually can be completed in around four years. Medical school graduates need to complete around 3 years of residency.
Are geneticists in demand in South Africa ?
The overall job outlook for Geneticists careers has been positive since 2004. Vacancies for this career have increased by 43.09 percent nationwide in that time, with an average growth of 2.69 percent per year. Demand for Geneticists is expected to go up, with an expected 8,240 new jobs filled by 2029.
Is a geneticist a doctor?
A medical geneticist is either a scientist or physician with expertise in understanding how genes and heredity affect health and disease. to reduce the risk and minimize the impact of genetic disorders and conditions on individuals, families and groups.
How much does a PhD in genetics make in South Africa ?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), geneticists with Ph. Ds can expect to earn anywhere from R 664976.32 to R 2115833.74.
Is it hard to become a genetic counselor in South Africa?
The education and training needed to pursue a career as a genetic counselor is not as rigorous as that of becoming a board-certified physician, but you should expect to spend up to six years in college: four years at the undergraduate level and an additional two at the graduate level.
Do geneticists go to med school?
Aspiring clinical geneticists must complete a bachelor’s degree program, and earn a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at a medical school. After earning a doctoral degree, geneticists participate in a medical residency in genetics to gain specialized training.
What is the difference between a genetic counselor and a geneticist?
While a genetic counselor or genetic nurse may help you with testing decisions and support issues, a medical geneticist will make the actual diagnosis of a disease or condition. Many genetic diseases are so rare that only a geneticist can provide the most complete and current information about your condition.