|
advertisement
|
|
Home -
Career Center :: More Health Informatics Career Profiles
Phylogenitist |
Career OverviewWorking in the life sciences field a phylogenitist works to understand and describe the relationship between living organisms on earth. This is a very involved field of biology that includes looking at reactions on a cellular level as well as looking at the “big picture” and how minute interactions affect the relationship of the whole organism and ultimately life.
The phylogenitist works in the laboratory or research facility, at the computer, as well as in the real world. He or she studies the historic interactions of living organisms and may make predictions based on the historic linkage as to what will happen with various combinations of living organisms and tissues used in biotechnology research.
A phylogenitist is also involved in genetic research and genome projects that include such diverse responsibilities as identifying new or existing tissues, or even assisting with gene transfers or restructuring or recombination. As a researcher the phylogenitist must be able to work well with the rest of the team, adhere to good laboratory practices (GLP) as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The phylogenitist needs to have excellent communication skills both in written and oral form and should be familiar with the various genetic tracing and development software packages available in laboratories and research facilities. Many phylogenitists have computer backgrounds and are able to modify or even create their own databases and research programs to meet the needs of the research team.
|
Career RequirementsA phylogenitist usually requires the minimum of a Masters degree and preferably a PhD in molecular biology, genetics or another related life science field. Experience in laboratories or a research facility is an asset, as is a strong background in computer programming and data management using programs such as Oracle and genome specific database programs.
The phylogenitist should also have at least two years experience in the biotechnology field or an equivalent research facility.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThe Life Tree project and the Human Genome Project have brought attention to this previously little known area of science. While phylogenitists have always been included in research teams they are now more involved in information that is accessible to the public through the internet and other venues.
This increased focus on the area of phylogenetics has increased the demand for professionals trained in the field. There is a steady level of positions available in the area and although the demand is not as high as in other biotechnology areas the trend for increased demand is expected to continue for the next several years.
|
Career TrackMany phylogenitists choose to enter into publication and scientific writing areas after working in the research lab. They may also become more involved in the modification, enhancement and development of various genetic and genome databases that are used worldwide in research. Options to move into computer programming and software development and marketing for genetic research projects also exist.
|
CompensationA phylogenitist usually earns approximately the same yearly salary as any other scientist in the biotechnology field. A phylogenitist with less than two years experience in the field of genetics may earn between $68,000 and $75,000 per year with the salary increasing to up to $100,000 after five years or more work experience and a specialization area. Private industry wages are usually higher than government agencies.
|
|
|
|
|
|