Ever wondered what types of jobs you can pursue in the field of genetics and genomics? This page is intended to be a resource for exploring potential career paths for genomics.
National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the NIH, offers many resources for undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in genomics:
- Current Careers and Training Opportunities
- Funding for Research Training
- Training and Career Development Programs
You can take undergraduate courses in genetics and genomics at Duke University! DukeHub course catalog offers many courses ranging from Mathematical Investigations in Genetics and Genomics (MATH 168S) to Topics in Genome Sciences (SCISOC 290S) to Race, Genomics, and Society (BIOLOGY 261D)
Various Career Paths in Genomics
Scientists develop and apply analytical methods and mathematical modeling techniques to the study of genomic systems. They use computational tools and approaches to organize, analyze and visualize data from genomic sciences and genomic medicine research.
Technologists innovate fundamentally new solutions, develop those innovations into useful tools, show those new tools work with exemplar work, disseminate their findings and approaches, and provide a path to commercialization and utilization in basic research and clinical settings.
Genomic researchers study the effects of genes on physical traits and how multiple genes and their inter relationships influence disease, the growth and development of an organism and their responses to the environment.
ELSI researchers investigate the ethical, legal, social or policy implications of genetics and genomics related to patient care and research. ELSI investigators have backgrounds in medicine, genetics, biological sciences, social sciences, ethics, philosophy, history, health services research, public policy or other related disciplines.
Clinicians including nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physicians, and physician assistants that apply genomic information about an individual as part of their clinical care (i.e. for diagnostic or therapeutic decision-making.)
Doctors with either a PhD or MD that specialize in providing comprehensive laboratory, diagnostic, management, and genetic counseling services for patients with, or at risk for, genetically influenced health problems.
Genetic counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genomics and counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make decisions about their genomic health and adapt to genomic risk.