ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Geneticist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alta Genetics

Research Geneticist

Watertown, WI · On-site

$102K - $127K/yr

Alta Genetics USA Inc. is looking for a Research Geneticist to develop and apply genetic and genomic tools, analyze data, and enhance prediction models to support livestock breeding programs and ...

Alta Genetics

Research Geneticist

Watertown, WI

Alta Genetics USA Inc. is looking for a Research Geneticist to develop and apply genetic and genomic tools, analyze data, and enhance prediction models to support livestock breeding programs and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGeneticist Jobs

Geneticist information

See salary details

$56K

$94.3K

$130.5K

How much do geneticist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for geneticist in the United States is $94,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are geneticists well paid?

Geneticists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage for geneticists is around $80,000 to $100,000, with higher earnings possible for those in senior roles or specialized fields such as clinical genetics or research. Advanced degrees and certifications can also influence earning potential.

What jobs can I do with a genetics degree?

A genetics degree can lead to careers such as geneticist, research scientist, genetic counselor, or laboratory technician. These roles often require knowledge of molecular biology, laboratory skills, and sometimes certification or advanced degrees for clinical positions.

What is the difference between Geneticist vs Genetic Counselor?

AspectGeneticistGenetic Counselor
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Genetics or related field, research experienceMaster's in Genetic Counseling, certification (ABGC)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare institutionsClinics, hospitals, patient counseling settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, healthcarePatient care, risk assessment, counseling

Geneticists primarily focus on research and understanding genetic mechanisms, often working in labs or academic settings. Genetic Counselors, on the other hand, work directly with patients to interpret genetic tests and provide guidance. Both roles require specialized education, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What does a geneticist do?

A geneticist studies genes, heredity, and genetic variation in humans, plants, or animals. They analyze DNA, conduct research, and may work in laboratories or clinical settings to diagnose genetic disorders or develop treatments. Strong knowledge of biology, genetics, and laboratory techniques is essential for this role.

What are some common challenges Geneticists face when working on research projects?

Geneticists often encounter challenges such as securing research funding, managing large and complex datasets, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies in genomics. Collaboration is crucial, as projects frequently involve interdisciplinary teams including bioinformaticians, clinicians, and laboratory technicians. Additionally, navigating ethical considerations and regulatory guidelines when handling genetic information is a key aspect of the role, requiring strong attention to detail and ongoing professional development.

What Do Geneticists Do?

Geneticists are scientists who study the properties and mutations of genes. They determine and research genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. Geneticists work in labs, conducting experiments or researching data; prepare scientific literature and articles; and write grant applications. Sometimes, geneticists will perform field work to collect data. In recent years, independent businesses have started mail-order genetic testing to discover health issues, finding relatives, and building a family tree with accurate ancestry. Geneticists are the ones who test these genes and analyzes the results.

What jobs can a geneticist have?

A geneticist can work in research laboratories, healthcare settings, or biotechnology companies, focusing on areas such as genetic counseling, medical genetics, research, or laboratory analysis. They often use tools like DNA sequencing and require strong analytical skills and knowledge of genetics and molecular biology.

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

To thrive as a Geneticist, you need a solid background in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD in genetics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, genetic analysis software, and bioinformatics tools is crucial, and certifications like the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help geneticists interpret complex data and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for advancing research, ensuring accuracy in genetic testing, and translating findings into meaningful medical or scientific outcomes.
More about Geneticist jobs
What cities are hiring for Geneticist jobs? Cities with the most Geneticist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Geneticist jobs? The most popular types of Geneticist jobs are:
What states have the most Geneticist jobs? States with the most job openings for Geneticist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Geneticist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Geneticist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Geneticist jobs? For Geneticist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Geneticist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geneticist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,262 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Research Geneticist

Alta Genetics

Watertown, WI • On-site

$102K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description


Alta Genetics USA Inc. is looking for a Research Geneticist to develop and apply genetic and genomic tools, analyze data, and enhance prediction models to support livestock breeding programs and research initiatives. Position is based in Watertown, Wisconsin.
Required: PhD in Animal Science, Quantitative Genetics or a related field and 5 years of experience as a Research Scientist in Quantitative Genetics. In addition, the following specific skills are required:
  • 5 years of experience with the genomic evaluation process, including ingestion and editing of data from the field, integration of field data with pedigree and genomic information, imputation of genotypes to a common set of variants used for prediction, estimation of (co)variance components, and prediction of breeding values;
  • 5 years of experience with livestock production;
  • 5 years of experience with constructing software pipelines to automate routine tasks, including data ingestion, storage, editing, and analysis;
  • 5 years of experience with basic bioinformatics procedure, such as alignment of whole-genome DNA sequence data against reference genomes, simple variant calling, and downstream analysis of variant effects on gene structure/function;
  • 5 years of experience with using computers for research, including statistical software (e.g., ASReml, BLUPF90, R, or Python) and Microsoft Office; and,
  • Must be willing and able to travel 10% domestic or international.

About Us
Alta Genetics is a global leader in the production, marketing, and distribution of beef and dairy cattle genetics worldwide, with retail operations in 14 markets and partners in more than 55 wholesale markets. We provide dairy and beef consulting services and solutions in cow activity and health monitoring, calf nutrition, reproduction, and herd management programs. Through industry-leading training and development programs, Alta Genetics aspires to be the most resourceful, valuable, and trusted partner for progressive dairy farms and beef ranches that nourish the world through sustainable and profitable operations.
Alta has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry - Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.

Apply