스포트라이트
Cardiovascular Geneticist, Medical Geneticist, Research Scientist, Scientist
Genetic labs are where scientists study human, animal, or plant DNA to understand how it affects growth, health, and other aspects of biological life.
Geneticist Lab Assistants are crucial team members in these labs, handling tasks such as preparing DNA samples, running tests, and documenting experiment results. They’re responsible for taking care of lab equipment, ensuring everything is clean, calibrated, and functioning correctly.
Safety is a top priority in any genetic lab, so assistants enforce safety protocols, too, watching to make sure equipment is used properly and waste is disposed of in accordance with regulations. They also manage inventory so there are sufficient quantities of supplies on hand.
The role of Geneticist Lab Assistants is crucial to maintaining safe, efficient, compliant research environments where groundbreaking genetic discoveries are made!
- Getting to work on groundbreaking research studies
- Contributing to the advancement of genetic disease research and treatments
- Opportunities for career growth within the scientific community
근무 일정
- Geneticist Lab Assistants may work either full- or part-time in controlled environments.
일반적인 의무
- Prepare, maintain, and calibrate equipment to ensure accurate results
- Manage laboratory inventories. Reorder supplies, reagents, gloves, masks, etc. Check expiration dates on perishable items
- Collect biological samples such as blood, tissue, or saliva for genetic analysis
- Perform DNA extraction from samples under the supervision of geneticists
- Prepare samples and reagents for storage and future use
- Conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to amplify DNA for further study
- Operate instruments such as sequencers and microarrays
- Analyze genetic data using software tools to identify variations and anomalies
- Validate experimental results through tests and control comparisons
- Maintain records of protocols and results
- Continuously monitor the lab environment for temperature and cleanliness
- Ensure compliance with biosafety regulations to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of hazardous materials
- 생물학적 물질을 제거하고 적절한 오염 제거(필요한 경우), 라벨링, 운송, 보관 또는 폐기를 보장합니다.
- Gather or make note of contaminated items for cleaning and sterilization. Physically clean devices and equipment, supplies, and other items as needed, using sanitizers, disinfectants, or autoclaves (as applicable)
- Keep records to track what needs to be done or has already been done
추가 책임
- Coordinate with external labs and facilities for specialized tests
- Provide data for grant proposals and research papers
- Troubleshoot experiment procedures to resolve problems
- Review relevant literature to stay informed about research advancements
- Attend meetings to discuss findings and plan future research
- Train new personnel on proper lab techniques and safety protocols
소프트 스킬
- 분석
- 세부 사항에주의
- 의사소통 기술
- 근면
- 독립
- 이니셔티브
- 조직적
- 모니터링 기술
- 동기
- 조직
- Problem-solving abilities
- 신뢰성
- Responsibility
- Safety consciousness
- 건전한 판단
- 팀워크
기술 능력
Geneticist Lab Assistants need knowledge and skills related to the following:
- Gel electrophoresis for DNA and RNA separation
- Microscopes for cellular and molecular examination
- Bioinformatics software for analyzing genetic data
- Cell culture techniques
- Genotyping methods such as single nucleotide polymorphism analysis
- DNA/RNA extraction and purification
- Quantitative PCR for measuring DNA or RNA quantities
- Data analysis and statistical tools
- Sample preparation for next-generation sequencing
- Spectrophotometry techniques
- Laboratory information management systems
- Lab sterilization techniques and safe handling of chemicals
Data and DNA sample security
- Universities and academic research institutes
- Biotechnology firms
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Government and private research labs
Geneticist Lab Assistants work with sensitive information that can have profound implications. Thus, handling genetic data comes with significant ethical considerations and the need for strict confidentiality. Ethical dilemmas can arise around privacy issues and the potential misuse of genetic data.
There’s always pressure to deliver accurate, timely results, which can lead to stress—especially when findings might influence important clinical decisions. The responsibility of handling materials that can alter lives weighs on many assistants and requires a high level of professionalism.
In addition, a commitment to education and skill enhancement is essential because technology and methodologies are always evolving. Geneticist Lab Assistants often need to take extra professional development courses or attend workshops, and many pursue further formal education!
The field of genetics is changing with the increasing use of CRISPR technology and other gene-editing tools that allow for precise DNA sequence alterations, opening new possibilities for research and therapy.
Geneticist Lab Assistants are called upon to perform more advanced tasks requiring a deeper understanding of molecular biology techniques—and the ethical implications of gene editing.
There’s significant growth in the realm of personalized medicine, using genetic information to tailor treatments to boost effectiveness. Genetic counseling has also expanded as people look for insights into their personal genetic risks. Lab assistants in these settings must stay up-to-date on research and know how to interpret complex genetic data. They’re increasingly treated as critical contributors and are therefore expected to be adept at using sophisticated genetic tools.
Geneticist Lab Assistants may have been very interested in science, chemistry, and biology growing up. They could have enjoyed looking at things under microscopes or conducting experiments and reviewing the results. Though they are comfortable working on teams, they’re also independent and don’t mind spending time researching things on their own.
- This career typically requires a bachelor’s degree in genetics, biology, or a related field required
- Note, that undergraduate students who have completed specific coursework and have relevant experience may be able to apply for entry-level jobs or internships
- Some college programs feature lab assistant work as part of the curriculum!
- Foundational courses in genetic theory, cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology are essential
- It’s crucial to gain hands-on skills with lab equipment, procedures, and safety protocols through coursework, internships, or part-time jobs
- Geneticist Lab Assistants may need proficiency in software such as Geneious, CLC Genomics Workbench, or PyMOL for genetic analysis.
They must also have the ability to analyze genetic data and interpret results, and knowledge of current genetic research and technologies - Optional certifications through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification are valuable. Relevant options include:
- Medical Laboratory Scientist: Demonstrates expertise in several laboratory disciplines
- Medical Laboratory Technician: Focuses on practical, technical skills in lab settings
- Histotechnician/Histotechnologist: Shows detailed lab skills with a focus on tissue-based diagnostics
- Cytogenetic Technologist: Focuses on chromosomal analysis and molecular genetics techniques
- Molecular Biology: For molecular diagnostic techniques, including DNA and RNA analysis
- Look for schools with strong genetics, biology, or biochemistry programs and well-equipped laboratories that provide hands-on research opportunities.
- Check out faculty biographies to see who is currently involved in cutting-edge genetic research and who has received awards for their work.
- Consider the availability of financial aid and scholarships, the cost of in-state versus out-of-state tuition, and the applicability of online or hybrid courses.
- Take Advanced Placement courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- Participate in science fairs and internships related to genetic research
- Join university clubs or societies focused on biology or biotechnology
- Watch videos and read blogs about genetics laboratory work
- Reach out to working Geneticist Lab Assistants to ask if there is a way you could shadow them at work for a few hours to learn about their duties
- Subscribe to the American College of the Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) YouTube channel and review the ACMG’s Genetics Academy resources
- Keep your resume current and add relevant experience, certifications, and educational achievements as you complete them
- Ask potential professional references for permission to give out their contact information
- Be prepared for a potential background check and possible drug and alcohol screening
- Check out job ads on portals such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Zippia
- Ask people in your network who might know of relevant job openings. Many job seekers still land their first jobs through tips!
- Screen job ads carefully. Take note of applicable keywords that you should use in your resume to help it get past Automated Tracking Software programs
- Keywords may include:
- 생물정보학
- Cell Culture
- 데이터 분석
- DNA Sequencing
- Genotyping
- Laboratory Techniques
- Molecular Biology
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Quality Control
- Sample Preparation
- Apply for internships or research assistant positions to get experience if needed
- Review Geneticist Lab Assistant resume templates for formatting ideas
- Search common interview questions to expect, such as “In a biology lab, precision is crucial. How do you ensure accurate measurements and data recording during experiments?”
- Practice doing mock interviews with friends to go over potential answers and become comfortable with the interview experience
- Dress appropriately for job interviews and show off your enthusiasm for the job!
- Talk with your supervisor about professional development and career advancement
- Offer to specialize in a niche area of genetics to increase your value to the organization
- Knock out an additional certification and training such as an American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification program
- Pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in genetics or a related field
- Volunteer for leadership roles in research projects or on teams
- Stay up-to-date on relevant changes in technologies,
methodologies, and regulations - Study manufacturer and software guides for related equipment or software used in labs
- Train other Geneticist Lab Assistants thoroughly and set an example for them to follow
- Small businesses may have limited opportunities for advancement. To move up, you may have to apply to larger organizations at some point
- Be active in professional organizations and groups that apply to your area of expertise
웹사이트
- Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
- 미국 암 연구 협회
- 미국 생물 분석가 협회
- American Board of Genetic Counseling
- 미국 생물 과학 연구소
- 미국 의료 기술자
- American Physician Scientists Association
- 생화학 및 분자 생물학을위한 미국 사회
- 미국 세포 생물학 학회
- 미국 임상 실험실 과학 학회
- 미국 임상 병리학 학회
- 미국 임상 약리학 및 치료 학회
- 미국 미생물학 학회
- 미국 약리학 및 실험 치료 학회
- 미국 세포 병리학 학회
- 디비오
- 실험 생물학을위한 미국 사회 연맹
- 미국 노인 학회
- 미국 전염병 학회
- 임상 실험실 과학을위한 국가 인증 기관
- 국립 일반 의학 연구소
- National Society of Genetic Counselors
- 신경 과학 학회
- 독성학회
책
- Genetics 101: From Chromosomes and the Double Helix to Cloning and DNA Tests, Everything You Need to Know about Genes, by Beth Skwarecki
- The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, by Blaine T. Bettinger, Mike Chamberlain, et al.
- The Gene: An Intimate History, by Siddhartha Mukherjee, Dennis Boutsikaris, et al.
- Thompson & Thompson Genetics and Genomics in Medicine, by Ronald Cohn, Stephen Scherer, et al.
Being a Geneticist Lab Assistant is a unique, challenging profession. It’s rewarding but can also be stressful at times. If you’re curious about career options, check out the suggested job titles below!
- 농업 및 식품 과학 기술자
- 생물 기술자
- Biotechnician
- 화학 기술자
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician
- Cytotechnologist
- 환경 과학 및 보호 기술자
- 법의학 기술자
- Health Education Specialist
- 역사 기술자
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- 의료 실험실 기술자
- Microbiology Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Veterinary Technologist and Technician