Epigenetics Researchers
Overview
Introduction
Epigenetics researchers conduct scientific studies to determine how epigenetic modifications (or changes) affect healthy and diseased cells, and they work to develop better treatments for diseases caused by epigenetic changes. Epigenetics changes in gene function are those that are heritable and that are not attributed to alterations of the DNA sequence, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. Epigenetics researchers are also known as epigenetics scientists.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Biochemists and biophysicists (a category that includes epigenetics researchers) earned salaries that ranged from $52,640 to $169,860 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They received median annual earnings of $94,270. Fifty percent of biochemists and biophysicists earned between $67,710 and $127,980.
Employers offer a variety of benefit packages, which can include an...
Work Environment
Epigenetics researchers spend the majority of their time in laboratories—designing and conducting experiments and assessing their results. Outside the laboratory, researchers prepare reports about their research, write grant proposals to request funding for their work, and, if they are also professors, teach students about the field. Epigenetics researchers typically work with other scientists,...
Outlook
Employment for biochemists (a career category that includes epigenetics researchers) is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). “Biochemists and biophysicists will be needed to conduct genetic research and to develop new medicines and treatments that are used to fight genetic disorders and diseases such as ...