Employers

CRISPR scientists are employed by federal agencies that conduct genetic research (including the National Institute of Health’s National Human Genome Research Institute and Office of Biotechnology Activities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Science Foundation). They also work for private research centers and biotechnology firms and pharmaceutical companies such as Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Intellia Therapeutics, Crispr Therapeutics, Editas Medicine, and Beam Therapeutics. Some scientists conduct research and work as educators at colleges and universities. CRISPR scientists who are also employed as physicians work at hospitals, medical offices, and other health care settings.

Starting Out

Many CRISPR scientists obtain their first jobs via contacts made through postdoctoral fellowships or medical residencies. Others work as science technicians while they are in college and receive job offers from their employer once they complete their graduate studies.

Popular job-search strategies for new graduates and current professionals who are seeking new employment opportunities include networking online and at in-person events such as career fairs, creating a LinkedIn profile and using the site’s employment resources, working with a recruiter, and visiting the career Web sites of potential employers. Those who are interested in careers in academe should contact colleges and universities directly and view open positions in the Chronicle of Higher Education (https://jobs.chronicle.com). Opportunities with federal laboratories can be accessed by visiting http://www.usajobs.gov.

Throughout their careers, CRISPR scientists advance by receiving increases in salaries and promotions to supervisory or managerial positions, but this work also allows them to receive professional and public recognition by making scientific discoveries that improve human health or improve agricultural products and sources of bioenergy, among other applications. Some scientists choose to become college professors, write books about CRISPR technology and genetics, or start consulting firms to provide expertise to government research facilities and for-profit companies.

Visit https://careers.acmg.net and https://careers.ashg.org for job listings.

Read Genes to Genomes (https://genestogenomes.org), a blog from the Genetics Society of America that offers articles on career planning, interviews with new and experienced genetic scientists, and information on developments in genetics.

Read GENETICS and G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics (both are available at https://genetics-gsa.org/publications) to learn more about issues and developments in genetics.