Geneticist career

Kaimātai iranga

Geneticists study genes and inherited traits passed down through generations in humans and other living organisms. They may treat patients with genetic disorders.

Geneticists study genes and inherited traits passed down through generations in humans and other living organisms. They may treat patients with genetic disorders.

What would you do as a Geneticist?

Geneticists

  • usually work regular business hours but may work weekends and evenings
  • usually work in laboratories, offices, health centres and hospitals, and may travel
  • may work in hazardous conditions involving chemicals
  • need to be accurate, methodical and identify and solve problems

Tasks

  • study genes and traits
  • analyse biological samples
  • plan biological research
  • record research and data results
  • interpret research
  • read scientific articles
  • prepare reports, presentations, proposals and applications
  • supervise scientists and lab staff
  • attend scientific events

How can you become a Geneticist?

You need a qualification to become a geneticist and experience may be useful.

You need

  • a relevant tertiary qualification in biological sciences or similar area

You may need

  • experience as a practising medical doctor to become a clinical geneticist
  • to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Professionals in clinical genetics
  • to register with the Medical Council of New Zealand under the clinical genetics scope of practise

If you're in school

You need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Studying this at the University of Waikato

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A Bachelor of Science with a Molecular and Cellular Biology major gives you a strong foundation in genetics, from how genes work in cells to how traits pass between generations. Choose Biomedical Science if you're interested in human genetics and disease.

You'll train in our molecular genetics laboratories. Pairing your major with Data Analytics is a strong option, as genetics research relies on working with large data sets. Like all our undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Science includes work-integrated learning.

Many geneticists go on to research. You can continue with our Master of Science or Master of Science (Research).

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Geneticist FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS ranking

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

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