As scientists and other professionals use discoveries in genetics to revolutionize the world, careers in genetics and genomics are booming, given advances in personalized medicine, DNA sequencing technologies, and commercial applications of DNA. genetic research.
‘Genomics’ means the study of whole genomes. Whereas ‘genes’ are instructions encoded in molecules called DNA in a cell, ‘genomics’ is the study of all genes in an organism and/or genes altered in every set of conditions (sick versus healthy). It also encompasses the functional relevance of this alteration. Genomics is based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Advances in NGS technologies ushered in an era of microbiome studies. The human microbiome, animal microbiome, and soil microbiome hold promise for cures for diseases such as diabetes, improve livestock health, and promote sustainable agriculture by suggesting soil improvement/preservation measures.
Advancement in genomics continues to occur on both the technology and application fronts. It can be applied to diseases such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or the epidemiology of infectious diseases such as SARS COV-2. Genomics led to the identification of variants, especially variants of concern (VOCs), during the pandemic and continues to help clinicians and scientists design better vaccines. Genomics also fostered ‘precision medicine’. Here, a personalized therapy is offered to a patient based on her genome.
Genomics offers various career opportunities in areas such as clinical genomics, cancer genomics, rare disease genomics, genomics and wellness, microbiome-based therapy, bioinformatics, and computational biology. In addition, there is a lot of growth in the engineering of sequencers and sequencing protocols where newer and cheaper scientific technology is sought. It is a rapidly expanding field with newer sequencers rapidly replacing older ones.
Booming career prospects
Scientific-genomics of cancer: Cancer arises due to genome instability or mutations. Early diagnosis is the key to its cure. Genomics experts can diagnose and predict the prognosis of cancer. A scientist working in cancer genomics may suggest immunotherapy for patients.
Rare disease scientist: Rare diseases such as sickle cell anemia can be managed effectively if diagnosed early. A scientist specializing in rare disease genomics can enable early diagnosis and improve the prognosis of such diseases.
Scientist-Bioinformatician/Bioinformatician/Bioinformatician and computational biologist: Bioinformaticians develop tools and ways to store, segregate, and analyze data, while computational biologists use these tools to generate meaningful biological information.
Product manager: Given the range of sequencing applications and sequencers per se; each product must reach its intended end user, which is what a product manager does. Next-gen sequencing companies often hire product managers to reach their target customers.
Field application specialists: Buying and installing a sequencer is a big investment. Your preventive maintenance, training and repair are extremely critical. Field application specialists train end users on sequencers, follow up on their queries and also maintain the machine.
Sequencer Design Experts/Engineers: The companies offer several sequencers, such as Thermo Fischer Scientific’s Illumina (MISeq, HISeq), PacBio, Nanopore, and Ion Torrent sequencers. An engineer in alliance with a genomics expert can design a team that works better and is more profitable.
Expert, Pharmacogenomics: It is a field of precision medicine that adapts the drug/therapy to the genomes of the patients.
Expert, Agrogenomics: The application of genomics in agriculture helps evaluate the soil microbiome and other parameters to improve agricultural production.
Expert, human microbiome: Microbes inhabit our gut, skin, and other parts of the body in large numbers. The diversity and quantity of beneficial microbes are essential for good health and well-being. Microbiome experts deal with this aspect of human health.
Required Educational Qualifications
Technology B. (Biotechnology): Genomics and Biosimilars applicants must opt for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology in 10+2 with at least 50% grades.
M.Sc. in Genomics (Biotechnology): After Physics, Chemistry and Biology at 10+2, applicants must complete B.Sc. (Hons) in Graduation.
For those who wish to further study, there are also doctoral options available.
The author is Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology of UPES