How to become An Animal Geneticist

• Geneticist
• Clinical Geneticist

What do Animal Geneticists do? An Animal Geneticist would typically need to:

• Study the genes and improve the heritability of desired traits of specific animal species at the molecular, organism and population level
• Plan biological research; isolate, synthesise and analyse biological samples; study how various substances affect animal tissues and biological processes
• Assess, interpret, record and share the research, operational data and findings included in a breeding program
• Research disease resistance and parasites; prepare scientific or technical reports, presentations and recommendations
• Assist in selection decisions and acceleration of genetic differentiation between different breeds of a particular animal species
• Help map the genomes of various species; research genetic characteristics or expression
• Compare the genetic makeup of different species to understand better and recommend healthy reproduction and growth
• Train, manage and monitor scientific and technical personnel; educate college students on relevant topics
• Collaborate with scientists or technical specialists on research activities; develop novel methods to evaluate animal traits
• Crossbreed animals to obtain unique combinations of desirables characteristics
• Inspect equipment to ensure valid data; work with technical specialists to resolve design or development issues
• Prepare grant applications and secure funding; plan and execute projects using basic and applied research

Animal Geneticists typically perform their research in a laboratory setting, while some may travel to animal production plants to observe and evaluate the breeding stock in person.

Animal Geneticists usually work more than 40 hours a week. Those who work in a laboratory have a more set schedule compared to those who conduct field research.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Animal Geneticists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Animal Geneticists are generally employed by:

• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Animal Breeding Companies
• Universities & Colleges
• Government Agencies
• Large-Scale Farming Organisations
• Animal Nutrition Organisations
• Livestock Genetics Companies

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG), are crucial for an Animal Geneticist interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Monitoring the trends in the number, structure and distribution of specific animal populations to identify breeds at risk of extinction and prioritise conservation efforts
• Adequately identifying threats to animal genetic resources and their possible consequences evaluated so that action may be done to combat them or reduce the danger they pose to variety

Any academic program that a potential Animal Geneticist takes up ideally requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship in industry or at a research facility. Some programs offer a shorter work placement along with or instead of an internship.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Familiarity with computers and lab equipment will prove an applicant’s readiness for the job. In addition, you will increase your knowledge of the diverse techniques used in the profession. Employers lean towards candidates who have acquired such experience through field internships or shadowing qualified professionals in a lab. 

Volunteering in organisations that focus on genetic research or providing support to those who have inherited disorders will give you a better insight into the inherent responsibilities of the profession and guide your decision to become an Animal Geneticist. 

Any experience gained within the industry and academia will help you compare the two before deciding which would better suit your purpose. Temporary work within a healthcare setting such as a hospital may also assist you in making critical career plans.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession, talking with a high school coun­selor, and interviewing those working in genetics are other important ways to explore your interest.

An entry-level position in a lab can be secured with an associate degree or certificate program in veterinary or medical technology. 

However, a bachelor's degree in genetics or a closely related field such as animal science, agriculture & biotechnology, dairy science, poultry science, biology, animal biology, agricultural animal breeding/behaviour/nutrition, biochemistry, forest, entomology or conservation biology is required to work as an Animal Geneticist. 

Ideally, your academic program should include genetics, reproduction, laboratory science, livestock production, biology, chemistry and statistics. Knowledge of research and quantitative methods, analytical/persuasive research and systematic applications is beneficial.

Fully qualified Animal Geneticists who seek academia or advanced research positions, complete masters or doctoral programs in a specialisation area involving extensive laboratory research and publication of a scientific thesis.

Animal science, biology, agricultural education, writing, English, computer science and public speaking comprise recommended high school subjects.

Voluntary certification in animal genetics will provide you with a deeper understanding of the various aspects of genetic inheritance, genetic improvement & management programs, along with the application of genetic principles in improving the health and productivity of livestock and domestic animals.

Accredited certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Performance, significant experience in diverse aspects of the profession and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Animal Geneticists who can take on various roles as they go up the career ladder.

With a bachelor's degree, an Animal Geneticist can work on a farm or lab for a pharmaceutical company or an agribusiness. It provides a solid foundation for advancement in veterinary medicine, teaching, conservation, medicine, biotechnology and animal production.

With the acquisition of a master’s degree, one could work as a university Animal Support Scientist, a high school Animal Science Teacher, an Animal Nutritionist, a Researcher or a Farm Advisor. 

A PhD in animal sciences focusing on animal genetics can allow you to become an Animal Scientist, a Biology Professor or Research Geneticist.

For laboratory work in universities and the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, Animal Geneticists specialising in genetics, molecular biology, or microbiology are in high demand. More opportunities in science, teaching and veterinary medicine are available with further education and graduate degrees.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Animal Geneticist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Many Animal Geneticists who wish to do basic research at the gene level acquire a master's or PhD degree in physiology, biochemistry and possibly biophysics. If interested in bioinformatics or breeding, they consider computer science, maths and statistics.

You can opt for real or online supplementary courses on livestock production, reproduction, chemistry, animal biology, behaviour, breeding, or laboratory science. They will help you create and maintain a healthy and robust animal population by improving and increasing its productivity. 

You can also consider expanding your knowledge in other fields by taking vocational courses in agriculture & biotechnology, animal nutrition and research/experimental psychology.

Review professional literature, attend conferences and workshops and continue with research to maintain and increase your knowledge of the ever-expanding field.

The Scope of Animal Genetics 

Animal Genetics, when applied to basic sciences, helps figure out how gene functions affect crucial characteristics such as animal growth, reproduction, disease resistance and behaviour.

When used to map genes, animal genetics assists in the observation and measurement of traits while discovering the genes that cause them. On the other hand, it finds a niche in bioinformatics when paired with mathematical and computer skills. It is used to analyse and interpret the genetic code or compare it across species as diverse as worms and horses.

When studied in relation to animal populations and breeding, animal genetics brings about an understanding of ongoing evolution and new mating strategies for productive crossbreeding.

A Unique Career Path

Animal pharmacology is a popular field of study (drugs for animals). Animal Geneticists frequently work for corporations that invest a large amount of money in animal disease research comparable to human cancer research in order to develop novel treatments for genetic illnesses affecting the heart, lungs or joints.

You usually focus on a specific field, such as reproduction or disease prevention. Alternatively, you may focus on a single animal species.

Cephalopods such as squids, cuttlefish and octopuses are capable of rewriting genetic information in their neurons.

By dint of dedicated research and unstinting effort, Animal Geneticists come up with miraculous discoveries that lead to genetic advancements with the much-needed potential to improve animal productivity in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

The same experiment can be repeated hundreds of times. What separates those who advance from others who give up is how well you rebound from such setbacks. Just keep in mind that we would not use the term "research" if we understood exactly what we were doing all of the time.