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Genetic Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sudden death in living family members can be prevented when a genetic cause of death is found in ... engineering field. 2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B In addition to meeting the ...

Sudden death in living family members can be prevented when a genetic cause of death is found in ... engineering field. 2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B In addition to meeting the ...

Genetic Counselor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Sudden death in living family members can be prevented when a genetic cause of death is found in ... engineering field. 2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B In addition to meeting the ...

Staff Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$179K - $230K/yr

What would software engineering be like without an IDE? How could humans design a modern plane without CAD? Genetic engineering will be even more demanding-and we're building the tools to make it ...

Staff Software Engineer

Boston, MA · Remote

$179K - $230K/yr

How could humans design a modern plane without CAD? Genetic engineering will be even more demanding--and we're building the tools to make it possible. Kernel is our platform for bioengineers to ...

Software Engineer II

Emeryville, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

Among the tools we have developed are a CAD/CAM system for genetic engineering: a compiler toolchain whose target architecture is life itself. This stack physically integrates high level genetic ...

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Genetic Engineering information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do genetic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for genetic engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is genetic engineering a good career?

Genetic engineering is a growing field that involves manipulating DNA to develop new products and solutions in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. It typically requires strong backgrounds in biology, chemistry, and laboratory skills, with opportunities for research, development, and innovation. Job prospects are favorable for those with advanced degrees and relevant experience, but competition can be high in certain areas.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In genetic engineering, senior roles such as lead research scientists, biotech executives, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves working in biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions with significant expertise in molecular biology, CRISPR technology, or bioinformatics.

What is the difference between Genetic Engineering vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectGenetic EngineeringMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Biotechnology, or related fieldsUsually a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, biotech companies, research institutionsResearch labs, academic institutions, healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural companiesUniversities, research institutes, healthcare organizations

Genetic engineers focus on modifying DNA to develop new products or improve existing ones, often working on practical applications. Molecular biologists study the molecular mechanisms of biological processes, conducting fundamental research. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, genetic engineering is more application-driven, whereas molecular biology emphasizes understanding biological systems.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Genetic Engineering Job?

The qualifications needed for a genetic engineering job include at least a bachelor’s degree in genetics, biochemistry, or a related field. Many employers prefer several years of experience and a Ph.D., particularly for positions in research and development. Many individuals start their careers as members of a team working on a long-running experiment. To find a job at a university, you may need to publish your research in the scientific literature first to demonstrate your expertise. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills are imperative. You also need patience and perseverance. Computer proficiency and a strong background in biostatics are essential for fulfilling your publishing responsibilities. Your duties also involve staying current by attending and presenting at conferences.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in complex technical environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Genetic Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Genetic Engineer, you need a solid background in molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology, often supported by a degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research, ensuring experiment accuracy, and developing innovative solutions in genetic science.

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is a branch of biotechnology that involves directly manipulating an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics or introduce new traits. Scientists use various techniques, such as CRISPR or recombinant DNA technology, to add, remove, or modify specific genes within an organism. This technology is widely used in agriculture to create genetically modified crops, in medicine for gene therapy, and in research for understanding gene functions. Genetic engineering has the potential to address challenges in food production, disease treatment, and industrial biotechnology, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns.

What is the highest paying job in genetics?

The highest paying jobs in genetics are often senior research scientists, genetic counselors with specialized expertise, or roles such as genetic engineering directors in biotech companies, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong knowledge of molecular biology and bioinformatics tools.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in genetic engineering roles?

Professionals in genetic engineering often face challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, adhering to strict regulatory and safety protocols, and troubleshooting unexpected experimental results. Collaboration is key, as genetic engineers frequently work with multidisciplinary teams including biologists, chemists, and bioinformaticians to achieve successful project outcomes. Additionally, balancing lab work with documentation and compliance requirements is essential for advancing both research and product development.
What cities are hiring for Genetic Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Genetic Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Genetic Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Genetic Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Genetic Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Genetic Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Genetic Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$70K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department/Area
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Position Description
The Duraisingh Laboratory in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to a research program focused on the genetic engineering of cultured red blood cells (RBCs), for applications in transfusion medicine, infectious diseases, and therapeutic development. The specific project aims to engineer erythroid cells to generate cultured RBCs with enhanced functional properties for improved survival, altered immunological characteristics, and with novel cell-based therapeutic capabilities.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative effort at the interface of synthetic biology, hematology, and regenerative medicine. Research activities will include the design and implementation of genetic engineering strategies in erythroid cells, development of cell culture and differentiation systems, functional characterization of engineered RBCs, and integration of synthetic biology approaches to optimize cellular performance.
The Fellow will develop an independent research project aligned with the broader goals of the collaboration and will have opportunities to lead publications, make scientific presentations and contribute to collaborative grant activities. The Fellow will work closely with researchers across a unique multi-institutional collaboration, providing access to state-of-the-art approaches in synthetic biology, gene circuit engineering, phenotyping and in vivo models.
The Duraisingh Laboratory studies host-pathogen interactions, focused on malaria, babesiosis, and red blood cells. The laboratory provides a highly collaborative environment with strong mentorship and extensive opportunities for professional development.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in in molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical engineering, hematology, or a related discipline. Demonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques is required.
Additional Qualifications
Prior research experience in stem cell biology, synthetic biology, erythropoietic cultures and flow cytometry-based cellular assays is desirable. Experience with genetic engineering technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, lentiviral systems, or related genome engineering approaches, is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong experimental design and problem-solving skills, a record of scientific productivity, excellent written and oral communication abilities, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments.
Special Instructions
Contact Information
To apply for this position:Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: mduraisi@hsph.harvard.edu and mmikdar@hsph.harvard.edu
Duraisingh Laboratory
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Boston, MA
Lab Website: https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/duraisingh-lab/
Contact Email
mduraisi@hsph.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$70,000 - $86,019 (based on PGY)
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
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