Intensive research in this new frontier science has created advanced awareness of cures for inherited and durable diseases. Unsurprisingly there’s growing demand for genetics professionals

Almost three decades ago, Dolly, the world’s most famous sheep was cloned successfully — a breakthrough which brought the science of genetics to the forefront of global consciousness. Since then, universities and research institutes around the world are actively engaged in the study of genetics and related sciences in the hope of finding technological breakthroughs for humanity’s new scourges such as AIDS and cancer. Intensive research in this new frontier science has created advanced awareness and effective treatments for inherited and durable diseases. As a result, there is growing demand for genetics engineers worldwide.

Genetics or genetics engineering as it is popularly known, explores the use of a wide range of technologies and techniques to modify and/or change genetic material in the DNA (or mRNA) codes of living organisms. Genes or genetic material from the DNA of one species is taken and mixed with those of another. Genetics engineers also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through generations, and the causes and effects of genetic disorders. By deciphering genetic codes they attempt to discover cures for these disorders.

A duly qualified genetics engineer must possess a graduate/postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry. The basic eligibility criterion for admission into a degree programme (BE/B.Tech) in genetics engineering is Plus Two with biology, chemistry and maths or a bachelor’s degree in science or molecular biology.

Most higher education institutions don’t offer study programmes in genetics engineering per se but as a subsidiary subject in biotechnology, microbiology, and biochemistry degree programmes. Specialised undergraduate degree programmes in genetics engineering are offered by Kakatiya University, Warangal and Osmania University, Hyderabad. Among the reputed universities offering this programme at the postgraduate level are:

• Bio-Informatics Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi
• Indian Institutes of Technology at Kharagpur, Delhi and Mumbai
• Jadavpur University (Kolkata)
• Universities of Delhi, Pune, Kerala, Mumbai
• Vellore Institute of Technology
• National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore

After postgraduation, students enroll in research institutes such as Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, or go abroad for further education and research.

Against this backdrop, it’s hardly surprising that employment opportunities for qualified genetics engineers (GEs), especially postgraduates and Ph Ds, are aplenty. In particular genetics engineers are required as research scholars and those with postgrad qualifications as collegiate and varsity faculty the world over. Besides research, qualified GEs have the option of employment in the pharmaceutical industry which requires scientists trained in molecular biology, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, immunogenetics and related disciplines. They also find work in specialist hospitals in the area of genetics counseling or opt for clinical genetics which involves diagnosis and treatment of people with genetic disorders, besides writing for scientific and medical journals.

“It’s not easy to land a job immediately after M.Sc as most employers prefer experienced personnel. But once you’ve acquired work experience, the Indian scenario is bright, as most western corporates have established research and backroom offices in India which has expanded the job market,” says Areeba Khan, a brilliant young genetics engineer.

Currently working as a genetic counselor at Guy’s and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, UK’s leading provider of hospital and community-based healthcare, research and education, Khan graduated with a B.Sc majoring in genetics from the Garden City College, Bangalore in 2009. Thereafter, she enrolled with the University of Leeds, UK which awarded her a Masters in human genetics in 2010.

“Human genetics involves the study of genetic traits starting from eye colour to inheritance of diseases and infirmities. If a diseased gene is mapped, it helps determine the chances of it being transmitted. Through mapping one can calculate the chances of a normal healthy individual acquiring neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and diabetes. I became interested in this field as a child after witnessing my grandmother suffer from diabetes. In India, considerable research is being conducted in cancer and new stem cell therapies and there’s growing awareness within the middle class of the pivotal role of genetics in our lives,” says Khan.

“There’s great potential for genetics professionals, especially now with larger allocations for research by government and the corporate sector. It’s a profession of the future,” adds Khan.

Being a sunrise industry, career progression is fast and remuneration packages are well above industry average

(Excerpted and adapted from 101 Great Careers for the 21st Century by Indra Gidwani)