Role: Geneticists are scientists who study genes and heredity. They research about the structure and function of genes to understand how genetic information is passed from one generation to the next. The data from their genetic research can be used in a variety of ways. In genetic engineering, geneticists use this information to improve food production and quality. Molecular geneticists use the data to study genetics at a molecular level. Population geneticists study the evolution of hereditary traits in a variety of organisms. Finally, cytogeneticists study chromosomes and the development of a cell.
Responsibilities: Geneticists are responsible for planning and conducting experiments in labs. In the lab, they analyze DNA samples and collect
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Some geneticists may choose to work independently. Generally, many geneticists work in labs and offices. However, some locations where a geneticist may work will depend on his/her specialization. For example, plant geneticists may work outdoors or in greenhouses to conduct experiments. In the lab, geneticists are expected to work with standard scientific equipment and specialized equipment that can analyze and copy DNA. For a geneticist, a forty hour work week is normal. However, many geneticists must work overtime to get their work done. There are many factors that lead to a longer work time which include: a long experiment set-up time, time needed for thoroughness in conducting the experiment, time needed for analyzing the experiment results, time needed to treat patients and complete paperwork, and time needed to provide on-call services. These factors lead to many geneticists to work from fifty hours to seventy hours per week. Geneticists work in very stressful environments due to the type of work in the lab, the unpleasant situations that may arise from the experiment or patients, and the ethical issues brought up by