JOB DESCRIPTION
 
 

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         A genetic engineer is someone that:
 

        The individual entering into this type of field should want to increase biological knowledge, not only for themselves but for others as well.  The whole point of this job is to research DNA and find out what causes traits and how the traits can be changed or improved.

        A genetic engineering works with chemicals, heat, light, microscopes, computers, electron microscopes, computers, and other technical equipment.  Designing laboratory experiments is part of the job description and conducting the experiments in a controlled manner is also a part.  Using restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis techniques are also part of the job.

        Restriction enzymes are used to splice DNA into pieces of certain lengths, depending upon the sequence of nucleotides that the DNA possesses.  Gel electrophoresis can then be used to locate a gene with a specific nucleotide sequence because the pieces of DNA are all different sizes.  As the electrical current is run the apparatus, the DNA fragments move according to size.  If the sequence is present it will be located at the specific size.


How plasmids are used as vectors through
transformation.


The nuclease is used to
splice DNA at specific
sequences of nucleotides.


A sample of gel electrophoresis.
Different lengths of DNA are located at
different positions.

        A typical genetic engineer may be employed by a commercial physical and biological research facility, a college or university, or noncommercial research organizations.

EARNINGS

       The salary that a genetic engineer earns varies depending on the amount of education the individual has completed.  The figures below are averages.
 

  • average salary- $51,404 per year
  • average of highest salary with doctorate degrees-  $70,000-$80000 per year


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