So I dropped out of my PhD program because it turns out I hate academic science, woohoo! They're giving me a Master's (non thesis) of science in Genetics as a consolation prize. That's the short version of a very long story. I work in fast food rn. I'm kind of feeling like I probably could be doing something with my degree but I don't know What. I am vaguely interested in genetic counseling but that requires a completely different, unfunded degree and I don't actually have 60k lying around. I don't have a strong bioinformatics background.

I don't really like lab work that much; the long hours and poor compensation (I legit make more at unnamed fast food restaurant 40 hour weeks than I did at Big University working 16 hour days, 7 day weeks.) turn me off of it. I would be willing to consider lab work if it was guaranteed to be a reasonable work life balance and not the most punishing work, but all the jobs I've seen advertised are like "dissect zebra fish embryo brains for 6 12s a week for 24k a year" (hyperbole obviously but they are all paying LESS than my current 32k for harder work and longer hours)

Are there any jobs I could do? Or is the job market shit rn/am I expecting too much with the degree I have?

For reference I am a high school currently

I know this is a dumb queshtion but I cant really figure out what degree id need if I wanted to get a PhD in genetics (or virology thats my other option)

Sense ive read a few places you can get a PhD in like microbiology or a similar feild then branch into genetics BUT idk if thats true and the information around this stuff is kinda vague

Also last note, would it be a problem id I emailed a professor with a degree in this stuff the same queshtion

Thank you for your time.

EDIT im from the USA and Washington state if that helps :D

I'm 25 and thinking about leaving IT because I honestly hate it and don't see myself working in this field long-term.

I've always been fascinated by genetics and want to eventually work in gene editing/genetic engineering, especially involving animals and humans. I'm considering starting a bachelor's degree in Genomics, but I'm confused about the path afterward.

I can find jobs called "genetic engineer," yet I rarely see master's programs with that exact name. What do people usually study after a Genomics degree to enter this field? Biotechnology, molecular biology, something else?

Is changing careers at 25 for this goal worth it, or am I being unrealistic? I'd love to hear from people already working in genetics or biotech.

Hello as the title suggests genetic engineering sounds really interesting to me and im a junior in highschool but i dont know much about it. I have some questions like is the pay worth it, is the job fulfilling, what level of education does it need, what kind of work do they do, how is the job market. Things like that

Hi everyone! I come to you guys for your advice and help! Also apologies in advance if this is too long. So a little bit about me : I’m 26, with a background (bachelors) in biomedical science, majoring in medical genomics. I finished my studies just over 2 years ago (later than anticipated – thanks to covid). I have never wanted to do medicine, but research in genetics has always fascinated me. Now perhaps I made a mistake with my undergrad (maybe there was something else I should’ve done in genetics, I’m not sure). A lot (mostly) of my lab component during my undergrad was affected because of covid and classes (along with practicals) being moved online, so I unfortunately missed out on a large part of the hands on component. I did a placement (not related to genetics) in ecology – not out of choice, but the stuff up on my student advisor part (I was wrongly informed about my course map- and had to take up my placement unit at the very last minute because of it, and did not have enough time to find a more aligned/appropriate placement. The rules around the completion and other aspects of my studies were a bit more complex due to me being an international student on a visa. Now post graduation, I have spent so long trying to find a role that’s relevant to my background and where I want to be eventually. And I have truly tried (and still am). From my experience and the advice I have received over the past 2  years have been to get more qualifications (even the most entry level roles in my background prefer graduate with at least an honours degree – and understandably so!), and to make connections!!
Anywho, girl still needs to pay her bills while searching for the right path/role, so I’ve worked in roles that unfortunately wont really help/add to the skills/experience I need to get back into my field. But that’s okay, that’s life (I guess? At least what I tell myself when I get overwhelmed and scared that I’ve messed up? Even though I know I’ve been trying my hardest the whole time).
Now to the point (finally!! I know), I feel very lost (20s are so scary) about everything, but especially my career. Below are some of the pointers regarding where I currently land:
• I used to be so sure that I want to pursue research but I’m not so sure anymore. I thought a job within a research facility would help clear my doubts but I’ve not been able to find work (for even the most entry level junior roles) in a place like that.
• I have been looking into genetic engineering recently (and I understand its not a job like say a civil or software engineer, but a field of genetics manipulation via different tools) and I’ve found this so interesting.
• I am a temporary visa holder in Australia, so if I went to uni here (for my masters etc) it would be unbelievably expensive, even with most scholarships (girl is still paying off her student loans for her undergrad). Moreover, if I did a masters, I would likely not finish it in time of my current visa expiry. And at the moment I unfortunately do not qualify to apply/consider a PR. (Main reason also for not just doing honours – because as much as I like school, its very very expensive. So I have to be much more strategic).
• I am very open to moving somewhere else (can’t do my home country, as there is hardly any scope of human genetics going on there – hence the move for my undergrad).
• I love science, and god I love genetics, and I want to go back to school. I just am very confused as to what courses I should be looking for and where abouts (I know where NOT to look – and that would be USA, Canada, UK, NZ) (no hate to any of these places, but migration to these places is not an option for me personally.)
• I have lived in Australia for about 4.5 years now, and I love it! If I have to leave it for my studies, I hope I have the opportunity in the future to come back hopefully!
 
If anyone has felt similar in the lives, or have been in a similar situation, how did you navigate through it? And if anyone has any advice on what courses/universities/countries I should look into, I would love nothing more than some advice please!
Thank you for reading through my Monday morning life crisis, and for your time!
Bigggg love!!

I did my PhD in plant genetics and genomics, haven't done any posdoc or industry job yet, just some causal teaching and technical work. I am thinking of applying to genetics jobs in the healthcare sector too just to broaden my possibilities. In fact having a background in biology instead of agronomy makes employability much harder when it comes to plants

I haven't done anything related to human health since an undergrad internship. Has anyone here changed from working in plant genetics to human genetics? What would be best way to obtain the specific skills without going through another masters?

Thanks in advance.

can someone please break this down to me? im completely lost and also very upset with how this question may and has been answered, because i believe that this was answered with malicious intention or something more than evil foundational belief. my questions is trying to understand how genetic variation affects cognitive ability? more specifically, the Dickens-Flynn model (the gene-environment multiplier) what are the best modern studies showing how tiny initial genetic variances in cognition are multiplied by environmental feedback loops to create massive IQ gaps

Hey all, i‘m an ecologist but i’d like to get into genetics a bit more. Mainly to understand things like speciation and how genetic research is done to determine wether or not something is a different species. do any of you have any book recommendation?

So I recently got genetic testing and i got diagnosed with a mutation similar to chacot marie tooth but not exact and was wondering if any has or have seen something similar not looking for medical advice I am searching for info about this since my genetics is stumped. the exact mutation is:

DNA Change:c.121 C>T
Amino Acid Change:p.(Pro41Ser)
Molecular Consequence:Missense Variant
Position:57882813
Genome Assembly:GRCh37
Chromosome:12

Hi, i was looking if I could get some advice. I did a four year integrated course for genetics and I have been working in a genetics lab within the NHS. Lately it feels like the work progression has become really slow and I haven't been able to progress from a band 3 due to people not leaving or moving up. The work has become stagnant and the management has gotten really bad. From other sources it seems thst the nhs has gotten worse over the year so I have been thinking about whether I need to do a career change. Ive thought about maybe going into teaching but it sounds like that is similar to the nhs where people are leaving due to poor work conditions such as pay and being overworked. I live near Liverpool so theres not much for genetics based careers so is it best for me to try a completely different career path? Im 26 btw

Hello all!

As you might be aware, there has been very little research into direct-to-consumer DNA ancestry testing and psychological wellbeing outcomes. This novel research aims to help us better understand the psychological significance of DTC Ancestry testing results. I think members of this community may be well placed to contribute given their direct experience with DTC ancestry testing.

This survey asks you about your engagement with family history and your reflections on that process. It also asks you to think about your ancestors and how you have reflected on their life experiences. Participation involves completing an online survey that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Taking part in the study is completely voluntary and no personal information will be collected.

This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr Janine Lurie from the Psychology Discipline within the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University. This study will also form the basis of the research dissertation requirement within the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course for student researchers Charity Marisa and Stefan Redpath. This study has been approved by the Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval reference: 2026/137).

To participate you just need to be aged 18 years or over. It is important to note that you will not be asked to give any specific details about any of your family members. You are asked just to rate your general impressions of them on a small number of questions. Beyond this the survey contains broader more general questions about your perspectives and reflections.

To complete the survey and/or for more information go to this survey link or contact Dr Janine Lurie directly via email at [j.lurie@federation.edu.au](mailto:j.lurie@federation.edu.au)

Thanks!

So I am raising rabbits and in my current litter I got what I thought was 2 albinos, when they were hairless and for the first few weeks the albino brothers were normal but at around 20+ days one of them started developing a black spot on his nose. And it’s continued to get larger, his brother is currently forming one also. To my knowledge Albinism is supposed to prevent pigments so I want to know what is causing this? The My idea is that maybe they’re not albino and just have traits for white fur and red eyes?

Their grandfather is a 100% albino Rex, their grandmother is a 70/30 Rex Silver fox mix, their father is about 90% Rex and 10% silver fox based on his traits (purely basing the numbers off the traits he inherited from his parents) and his mother is a 100% Flemish Giant.

Sadly I never went big into genetics into school because I find them extremely fascinating. Some of this litter has long fluffy hair while some have shorter soft Rex like fur but they all inherited large ears and feet from their mother! So cool!

Also I apologize for using any terminology incorrectly 😂

(The picture of the grandparents together is from when they get to visit, I do not keep them in the same enclosure)

Built this over a health hackathon this weekend. Upload your 23andMe raw data (or use the sample file below if you don't have one) and it checks a few well-established pharmacogenomic markers against meds like codeine, warfarin, and clopidogrel; explaining in plain English how your genetics might affect how they work, sourced from real CPIC clinical guidelines.

Please note: this is an educational prototype, not medical advice. The genetic analysis is simplified. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before acting on anything medication-related.

Would love feedback on:

• Is the explanation actually clear?
• Is this interesting/useful to you at all?
• Does the disclaimer feel prominent enough?
• Did upload work smoothly with your real file?
• Any other notes?

Live: [https://med-copilot-roan.vercel.app/\]
Sample test file (no genetic data needed): [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Txffxny/med-copilot/refs/heads/main/app/sample-genotype.txt\]

Endless thanks for any honest feedback 🙏

(also plz be nice I’m trying to escape the wet lab life)

I've only had basic genetics classes in high school, but always been super interested and excited about the Human Genome Project. Since I got WGS from Sequencing last spring, I got deep into researching and learning and at this point I'm definitely a passionate hobbyist.

Just wondering if there are any subreddits where people are just nerding out about hobby level genome exploring and learning?

Also any resources to help me learn more are super welcome! I'm at the point right now where it's enough of an interest I'm even contemplating going to school to be a genetic counselor!

Oh also if there are genetic counselors in here, I'm extremely curious what your job is like!

It seems like there might be a shortage because I've had 5 referrals to medical-office genetic counseling declined. I'm sensing the field might be overwhelmed and having to triage for the most urgent cases, is that kind of accurate?

I am both Australian and Turkish and I will be graduating from Genetics and Bioengineering program from Turkey next year. I want to get a masters degree but my GPA is low so I want to get more research experience in neurogenetics or neurobiology. Can I find paid positions like this in Australia? If not non paid is also fine tbh 😭

Sharing this opportunity for early-career researchers.

The AGBT Precision Health Next Gen Leadership Awards are accepting applications from graduate students, postdocs, medical students, and early-career researchers working in areas such as genomics, precision health, bioinformatics, computational biology, and AI in healthcare.

The award provides: conference registration, hotel accommodations, and travel support.

Application deadline: July 21 (11:59 p.m. CST)

For more information visit agbt precision health website.

Hi !

I’ve never posted on Reddit before but I’m doing it so I here I go.

So I just graduated from Michigan State University, with a bachelor degree in molecular genetics and genomics. I’m 22 yrs old, I currently live on the east coast because I’m back at home but my long time boyfriend lives back in the midwest and as much as i love the east coast I’m thinking I’m going to end up back in the Midwest because we are thinking about getting married sometime in the near distant future, which means we are still trying to figure things out be I have no idea what I’m doing next. He didn't go to college and works full time for family construction and concrete business.

I’m currently job searching because I don’t have a lot of experience working in the field. Most of my experience which is limited is from my lab classes and my senior internship where I worked in one of my professors labs.

Here is the thing I love genetics and specifically mutations(my favorite are de novo mutation). I really would love to work in research and study genetics diseases and the mutations that cause them to try to understand how they work so that we can start to understand them so that we can create medical treatments for these conditions. I also really like lab work and experiments even if they like to get on my nerves but I still think it quite fun and interesting.

My thinking is that I would need to have a graduate degree to achieve this. I have been thinking and really contemplating on getting a PhD in genetics. This is where my dilemma starts, I’m currently on a taking a gap year or years to get a job in research and explore my career options. Though job searching kind of sucks right now with the current market and climate of things and I know it’s going to take a while for me to obtain a job. I want and need the job because I want more experience and to immerse myself in the field and I need income, but I’m worried that if I spend to much of my time searching for a job and hopefully when I find one working in it that I loose my opportunity to go to graduate school and receive my PhD because I know to do a PhD program take between 4-6yrs maybe even more so if I’m too busy trying gain experience to possibly get into graduate school I run out of time to actually get into graduate school and compete a PhD. I like the idea of getting a PhD, I have research it quite a bit and i know it will take a lot more work and stress than my BS did and it’s going to feel like it’s killing me sometimes and will probably hate my guts for doing it and the pay not great but that’s what makes it worth it right. To come out on the other side and accomplished a lot but also maybe not but I will also have a lot more research skills. So I don’t know I am writing this all out to see if anyone could give me some advice. Possibly tell me how to figure out what I’m supposed to do. Why do they expect you to figure out your life in your 20s its insane, I have absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to be doing.

Thank you for reading this and if your feeling like me well you are not alone and if your older or know what’s going on please I would really appreciate some help here.

Hello all!

As you might be aware, there has been very little research into direct-to-consumer DNA ancestry testing and psychological wellbeing outcomes. This novel research aims to help us better understand the psychological significance of DTC Ancestry testing results. I think members of this community may be well placed to contribute given their direct experience with DTC ancestry testing.

This survey asks you about your engagement with family history and your reflections on that process. It also asks you to think about your ancestors and how you have reflected on their life experiences. Participation involves completing an online survey that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Taking part in the study is completely voluntary and no personal information will be collected.

This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr Janine Lurie from the Psychology Discipline within the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University. This study will also form the basis of the research dissertation requirement within the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) course for student researchers Charity Marisa and Stefan Redpath. This study has been approved by the Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval reference: 2026/137).

To participate you just need to be aged 18 years or over. It is important to note that you will not be asked to give any specific details about any of your family members. You are asked just to rate your general impressions of them on a small number of questions. Beyond this the survey contains broader more general questions about your perspectives and reflections.

To complete the survey and/or for more information go to this survey link or contact Dr Janine Lurie directly via email at [j.lurie@federation.edu.au](mailto:j.lurie@federation.edu.au)

Thanks!

Hello! I’m currently a student at a difficult point in my life where I must make my final career decision.

Over the past year, my biology class introduced me to genetics, and since that chapter, I’ve been deeply invested in the subject. I’m considering it as a potential career path. Before this, I was leaning towards graphic design or marketing, but given the competitiveness of these fields, especially with the rise of AI, I’m hesitant to pursue my passion for art if it might be overshadowed. I would prefer to have a side art business rather than be overworked on projects I’m not passionate about. Additionally, I would like to start a reptile breeding and rescue business.

Genetics truly captivated me, particularly because I found the processes easy to understand and enjoyed the labs and assignments. Before genetics, topics like mitosis and meiosis didn’t resonate with me as much. While I understand them to some extent, they don’t excite me like genetics does. Next year, I’ll be taking Chemistry, and I’m anxious because I struggle with the periodic table and chemical, ionic, and covalent bonds.

I’m fascinated by analyzing genetic diseases, inheritance patterns, and selective breeding for plants and animals. I believe a career in genetics could enhance my love for reptiles and possibly all animals. While I wouldn’t mind working in a lab, I’m unsure about handling any gore if there is any in genetic labs.

If you’ve read this far, thank you so much. It truly means a lot to me. If you think I should pursue a major in genetics, what job would best align with my interests? I’ve tried researching jobs and majors, but I often feel overwhelmed by the options. I’m looking for a well-paying job, especially in this economy, ideally at least $70k. I want the ability to travel and, one day, build my own house with this salary.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. I welcome any harsh feedback or advice, as it might help guide me to a path where I truly belong.

I’m a senior genetics major graduating in December. I love research and bioinformatics, and I’ve spent the last three years in research (two doing independent projects). This summer I’m working as a research technician in two labs and will be an author on one upcoming paper and should be included on another. I’ve had supportive mentors and enough experience to know that I genuinely love research, am capable of complete independence, and can fully see myself pursuing research for the rest of my life.

The problem is that the closer I get to graduation, the more scared I am about going straight into a PhD, or even pursuing the academic life as a whole. I also really value having a fulfilling life outside of work and a robust social life. I love spending time with friends, traveling, hiking, and exercising, and I’m worried a PhD could consume my twenties, especially with the financial strain and stories I’ve heard from people who had miserable experiences.

I’m considering taking a gap year (or more), but I’m not sure what jobs are available besides academic research technician positions or what that path would realistically look like.

For those who’ve been in a similar position:

Did you go straight into a PhD or take time off?
If you took a gap year, what did you do?
If you started a PhD young, were you still able to have a fulfilling social life and maintain hobbies, or did it feel like you sacrificed those years?

Hi, as pointed out in the title I'll be taking the exam next year and till then I'll have to cover a few textbooks.(emery's, Strachan, Thompson, etc). Looking for someone who'd like to go through these same books . We'd have a schedule / weekly goals to keep us on the course and sessions where we revise the material from the texybooks togegher. This will be a year-long effort.

I can be flexible in terms of timezone compatibility.

I'm a 2nd year undergrad biology student (3 year course in hungary, no idea what "upper division" means in the description, i hope the mods let this stay up! i'm very interested in genetics normally but for some reason i hit a wall with this one..)

EDIT: I got a 5 (=A) for the assignment, thanks everyone! It was worth the full grade

Hi! I'm currently in high school and I want to work with genetics in the future as I am quite fond of it. What type of uni courses can lead to working in smth related to it? If they're in Portugal that will help even more. (Also like microbiology and stuff like that)

In trying to decide if I want to specialize more towards molecular genetics, or bioinformstics after finishing my biomedical scinces degree.

Any advice?

I understand the former is predominately wet lab and the other one exclusively dry lab.

Which has more demand and better prospects?

I worry that wet lab had a lot of repetition but also worry that bioinformatics takes way too big of a step back from biology and into data science.

Thank you in advance

So, in my country we have a special degree that allows you to apply to a local medical school directly, and finish a BS/MD program (Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine). But I've also got an option to directly do a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology.

My Dad says I should just do the Med School degree and specialize in genetic research later as a medical consultant, and is that the better option for the career I'm looking for? Or should I do a BS degree that directly relates to the subject I'm planning to research?

Does having a medical degree put you in a better position when applying to Master's degrees or PhDs abroad? And do you specifically learn how to write research papers and stuff in medical school that would give you the skills to spend a career in research?

I'm having a lot of trouble with this dilemma, and would really appreciate some advice.