Geneticist
Science & Research
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
- 2Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
- 3Plan 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.
- 4Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
- 5Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
- 6Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
- 7Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
- 8Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
- 9Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
- 10Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving processes such as gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.
- 11Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.
- 12Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.
- 13Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosis and management of genetic disorders.
- 14Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
- 15Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
- 16Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
- 17Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
- 18Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.
- 19Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
- 20Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.
- 21Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.
- 22Design and maintain genetics computer databases.
- 23Participate in the development of endangered species breeding programs or species survival plans.
- 24Plan curatorial programs for species collections that include acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- Scientist
- Geneticist
- Geneticists
- Lab Geneticist
- Postdoc Fellow
- Genetic Scientist
- Plants Geneticist
- Genomics Scientist
- Medical Geneticist
- Pharmacogeneticist
How far is this from you?
Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.
1
Entry straight after SPM
2
SPM + sijil / short TVET course
3
Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)
4
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
Typical entry
Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
What you'd need to know
The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.
- Biology97%
BiologyAdditional Science
- English Language86%
English
- Education and Training74%
- Mathematics74%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- Chemistry69%
Chemistry
- Computers and Electronics61%
Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies
Tools you'd use
Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.
What the work feels like
Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.
- Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
- Contact with other peopleConstant contact
- Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
- Leading or coordinating othersHigh
- Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
- Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
- Noisy environmentRarely
- Time spent sittingAlmost all the time
Where this job is heading
Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.
- Inventory and order lab supplies.
AI and demand for this job
A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.
Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)
This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.
Pay in Malaysia
We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.
Where to check:
- JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
- DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
- SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Related careers
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About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
O*NET occupation: Geneticists
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org