How To Become A Genomics Scientist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a genomics scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Badri Roysam D.Sc.

Genomic Scientists specialize in the study of genomes and often work as medical doctors, researchers, or educators. Some of these scientists specialize in epigenetics, the study of how biological factors such as environment or behaviors affect genomes. They may also specialize in ecological genetics, which is the study of genetics in natural populations.

As a healthcare scientist working in genomics, you will be examining samples of patients' DNA or RNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid or Ribonucleic acid). This will enable the identification of genetic and genomic alterations that may be responsible for inherited and acquired diseases or conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or cancer.

To ensure success in this role, you must demonstrate ingenuity in making innovative advancements in the field. Top candidates are detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and possess outstanding organizational skills.

The average annual earnings in this field are approximately $83,627. This figure can

vary significantly depending upon your experience, skills, and academic qualification. A degree in genetics, biology or chemistry is preferred for a career in this field, but other physical science programs can suffice. To work as a clinical geneticist, you must be a licensed physician.

What general advice would you give to a Genomics Scientist?

Badri Roysam D.Sc.

Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen University Professor Chair, Electrical & Computer Engineering Department University of Houston, University of Houston

The fundamentals of the discipline, and critical thinking skills will continue to be important.

ScoreGenomics ScientistUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $90,194

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.8

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 11.13%

Black or African American 2.31%

Hispanic or Latino 6.35%

Unknown 4.95%

White 74.69%

Gender

female 55.56%

male 44.44%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress Level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

10.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

5.5

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a genomics scientist

Explore genomics scientist education requirements

Most common genomics scientist degrees

Bachelor's

50.0 %

Doctorate

33.3 %

Master's

16.7 %

Start to develop specific genomics scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Analysis	25.74%
NGS	18.83%
QC	14.54%
PCR	8.95%
Scientific Literature	8.03%

Complete relevant genomics scientist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New genomics scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a genomics scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real genomics scientist resumes.

Research genomics scientist duties and responsibilities

Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Generate sequence and genotyping data for SFP genetic map construction.
Test different technical protocols to generate DNA size fractions and estimate sequence complexity.
Amplify sequence, develop SNP markers and generate mapping data in QTL population.

Apply for genomics scientist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a genomics scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams