Genetic Engineer

Overview

Who is Genetic Engineer?

Genetic engineers are highly trained professionals who manipulate the genetic makeup of an organism to improve the organism's physical capabilities, be it plants, animals, or humans. These engineers use a variety of molecular technologies and tools to rearrange, remove or add fragments of DNA with the intention to enhance the organism or for research purposes. Through genetic engineering, a gene can be removed from an organism and inserted into another to give it the qualities of the donor gene. Moreover, genetic engineering can enable an organism to better thrive in a specific environment, such as adapting a bacteria to improve drug treatment or modifying a plant to withstand harsh conditions.

Genetic engineering is a rather broad field that allows aspirants to take on specialised roles such as breast cancer researchers, forensic scientists, molecular biologists, genetic counsellors, etc. Due to the nature of the work, genetic engineers are mostly found working in laboratories and research centres. Major employers of genetic engineers are pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals, agriculture, research and development firms, government agencies and healthcare organisations.

Typical day at work

What does Genetic Engineer do?

Genetic engineers use the same math and scientific talents as all engineers to alter how present genetics work. This might include genetically modifying food-producing plants or creating novel remedies for genetic diseases in humans and animals. A genetic engineer is a type of scientist that works with genetics in animals, plants, and humans.

For example, genetic engineers may work in a research facility developing novel genetic variations of food-producing plants or as genetic counsellors for people suffering from unusual genetic illnesses. Pharmaceutical firms, healthcare organisations, research and development corporations, universities, and the government employ most genetic engineers.

Biomedical and biochemical engineers, as well as geneticists, are the most closely connected to genetic engineers. For the most part, genetic engineers use their expertise and experience to address problems involving genetic information. For example, a genetic engineer may supervise other laboratory personnel, perform their research, assess and solve issues using technology, and convey their results to colleagues and patients.

The role of a genetic engineer is multifaceted and generally comprises of the following tasks:

• Examine current DNA structures of organisms
• Design and carry out various experiments
• Prepare reports of the experiments 
• Handle tools like lasers, spectrometers, binocular light compound microscopes, etc
• Modify the DNA structure of organisms 
• Write and publish journalistic papers related to genetic engineering 
• Devise solutions to handle harmful organisms
• Treat human patients with genetic illnesses

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Genetic Engineer?

Genetic engineers must have specific interpersonal skills and attributes to thrive in this industry. In addition, it is imperative that genetic engineers have solid morals and use their abilities for the greater good as this branch of science is controversial, and many are against it. Genetic engineer jobs require an eye for detail, precision, innovation and dexterous application of logical concepts, and thus, aspirants must exhibit these traits to at least some extent. Furthermore, applicants must have excellent decision-making ability, a strong intellect, excellent communication skills, an analytical mind, and problem-solving talents.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?