Genetic Engineering - Careers, Salary, Jobs, Scope

Brief Summary

Why GENETIC ENGINEERING?

Genetic engineering is also known as a genetic modification; it is related to genes and DNA. It is a technology used to change or combine genetic cells from one species to another. It uses processes such as gene isolation and cloning, inserting DNA into host genes and much more. Its main aim is to create more different species with different combinations for medical and research purpose.

Genetic engineering is a 4-year graduation level, degree type course.  For masters degree, it can be pursued under the M.tech degree.

Genetic engineers are also known as gene therapist; with the help and study of genetic engineering, they produce different cells to fight illness among patients. Genetic engineers also work in a non-medical environment, exploring cells, plants, food crops.

Genetic engineers usually work indoors in laboratories conducting experiments and doing research on projects, only a few work outdoors; those working in the teaching field.

On average they work 35 hours to 40 hours per week, sometimes they have to work longer to complete certain projects.

GENETIC ENGINEERING: Jobs and Career Opportunities

Students who are studying genetic engineering are offered job and career opportunities in a variety of fields. It ranges from pharmaceutical firm to agricultural firm to Research and much more.

Few of the job roles and career opportunities are listed below:

Genetic Scientist

Genetic scientist understands the behavior of the gene, its physical characteristics and much more. They analyze the genetic behavior and develop various techniques for detection and solve the problem in the organism.

Genetic scientist usually works in laboratories; in the medical and research field. On average a genetic scientist is offered a salary package of INR 4.5 lakh per annum.

Research Scientist

Research scientist plans and conducts experiment and analyses the data. They are employed in a variety of fields such as government laboratories, environmental agencies, universities, pharmaceutical firms, chemical companies etc. On average a research scientist is offered a salary package of INR 5 lakh to INR 6 lakh per annum.

Control Engineer

Control engineers design and operate complex systems and equipment and makes sure they perform their task efficiently. They may work in a variety of fields such as equipment designing companies, research companies, government firms etc. On average a control engineer is offered a salary package of around INR 6.5 lakh per annum.

Scientific/Medical Writer

Scientific/medical writers write different types of documents required for medical journalism, medical/scientific education, marketing of healthcare products, publication or presentation, research documents, regulatory documents etc.

Scientific/medical writers are usually hired by pharmaceutical companies, BPOs/KPOs, media and publishing companies and Healthcare websites. On an average they are offered a salary package of INR 3 lakh to INR 4 lakh per annum.

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians collect and examine body fluids, tissues, cells etc. They usually work at hospitals, medical Laboratories, University Labs. On average they are offered a salary package of around INR 2 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh per annum.

Other job roles and opportunities for genetic engineers are:

• Genetic engineering manager
• Biochemist
• Genetic engineering campaigner
• Professor
• Junior policy advisor

GENETIC ENGINEERING: Salary

A fresher in genetic engineering is offered a salary package of around Rs 2 lakh per annum. A genetic engineer on an average with 1-3 years of experience in the field is offered a salary package of around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per annum.

A genetic engineer with 5 years and above industry experience is offered a salary package of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per annum. The number of projects and status of the company plays a key role in the determination of the salary. Genetic engineers are usually paid by the number of hours they work in the laboratories.

GENETIC ENGINEERING: Recruiters

Few of the top recruiters to students of Genetic Engineering are listed below:

• AIIMS
• Biocon
• Serum Institute
• IIT
• Tata Memorial Centre
• ISCB (International Society for Computational Biology)
• BCS – InSilico Biology
• BERPDC (Biochemical Engineering Research Process and Development Centre)

Specialisations

Genetic Engineering offers a variety of specialization that one can opt. Some of the popular specializations are listed and explained below:

• Cytogenetics

Cytogenetics is this study which collects and analyses the number and structure of the chromosomes in a living organism. This specialization can help a candidate get a job as a chemical technician, biological technician, laboratory technician etc. With this specialization, a candidate is initially offered a salary package of an additional INR 2 lakh per annum.

• Molecular Farming

Molecular farming is also known as Pharming. It’s the technique/technology that uses plants and organisms to produce pharmaceutical substances; which are used as vaccines and antibiotics. This is possible with the help of artificial genes which are inserted into the plants and organisms. Candidates with the specialization usually work in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies/manufacturers etc. Initially, candidates with this specialization are offered a salary package of INR 3 lakh and above per annum.

• Animal Energetics and Genetics

Animal energetics and genetics is the study and process in which different animal genes are tested and combined to create hybrids for research and other purposes. The specialization helps to understand the know-how through which breeding animals can survive the different environment. Candidates with the specialization usually work in the breeding industry, research industries and University. They are initially offered a salary package of around INR 3 lakh to INR 4 lakh per annum.

• Developmental Genetics

Developmental Genetics is the study of the formation, growth and evolution of an organism with the help of genes. Candidates with the specialization can work as lab technician’s research attendant, cell biologist, professors etc. Candidates with the specialization are initially offered a salary package of INR 2 lakh to INR 3 lakh per annum.

• Immunogenetics

Immunogenetics is basically the study of the evolution of the immune system and genetics of living organisms. Candidate with the specialization can work as immunogenetics technologist, Healthcare Technologist etc. They usually work at hospitals, Laboratories, Research Centre, educational institutions etc. On average they are offered a salary package of around INR 3 lakh to INR 3.5 lakh per annum.

GENETIC ENGINEERING: Syllabus

Genetic Engineering (B.E/B.Tech) is a 4-year degree type, graduation level course. It is divided into 8 semesters.

The detailed syllabus is as below:

Popular Colleges offering GENETIC ENGINEERING

Few universities offer Genetic Engineering courses. Some of them are list below:

Requirements for GENETIC ENGINEERING

• For Bachelor’s Degree in Genetic Engineering, a candidate should pass 10+2 from an affiliated university with knowledge and study of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
• As to Post Graduation in Environmental Engineering is concerned a candidate must qualify B.E/B.Tech with minimum 60% or equivalent CGPA. Also, most of the Indian universities require the GATE/JAM scores and GPA, GRE/TOEFL scores for International Colleges.

A typical entry-level job qualification for environmental engineers is a bachelor’s degree.

Apart from the educational qualification as stated above a candidate applying for this specialization must have certain skills such as analytical and technical skill, problem-solving, computer usage, decision making, good communication skills, good planning, should have an eye for detailed, organizing skills, work as a team, good physical stamina.

Why should you choose GENETIC ENGINEERING?

With advancement in science and technology, there is a great demand for genetic engineers in the coming future. Genetic engineering not only helps humans but also change the lives of other life-forms like plants, animals, microorganisms and much more.

There has been a recent development in this field due to the increase in grants and funding provided by the government. With the changes in the environment, there is scope for students to add discoveries to the current topics.

Perusing this specialization abroad is another option available to students. USA, UK, Canada and Europe have turned out be a haven for undergraduates interested in research work.