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Geneticists

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-1029)

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

At a Glance

Geneticists earns a median of $93,330/yr with +1.2% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Getting Information, Written Comprehension.

Median Annual Wage

$93,330/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.2%

Annual Openings

5

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (15)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.3
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

4.1
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

4.0
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

4.0
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

4.0
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.9
Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

3.9
Instructing

Teaching others how to do something.

3.8
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.8
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.6
Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

3.5

Knowledge (5)

Biology

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

4.8
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.3
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.7
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.7
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

3.5

Abilities (17)

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.8
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.4
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.3
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.3
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.3
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

4.0
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.9
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.9
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.9
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.8
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.8
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.5
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.4

Technology (16)

Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
R

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Perl

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
GitHub

Category: Application server software | Hot Technology

4.5
Git

Category: File versioning software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (22)

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.8
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.6
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.6
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.4
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.4
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.4
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.2
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.1
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.1
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.9
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.

3.8
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.7
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.6
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.

3.5
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.4
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.4
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.3

Work Styles (3)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

4.3
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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