Back to BlogHow to Become a Gene Therapist
Gene therapy, in a nutshell, is the use of DNA to fight diseases. Gene therapists are the scientists who develop new treatments for people with different genetic disorders - rather than trying to treat the symptoms of the illness, they tackle the issue at its root by attempting to alter the patient's genes.
There are a number of different positions in the field of gene therapy, all of which offer great job satisfaction because your work is genuinely improving people's quality of life. There are so many reasons why an individual might want to become a gene therapist, but how exactly does one achieve this career goal?
Getting a Job in Gene Therapy
There are several skills and qualifications you will need if you are thinking of applying for gene therapist jobs.
Qualifications
At the most basic level, to work in the field of gene therapy you'll need a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a closely related field. Some positions may require you to have achieved a higher level of education (also in a relevant field) such as a masters or even a doctorate, or to have completed an additional specialised course.
This is all highly dependent on the position you're applying for, but as a bare minimum, you will need a degree in a relevant scientific subject.
Experience
Again, experience requirements are largely dependent on the type of gene therapy role you're applying for. There are a range of different positions available at different levels, so no matter how much experience you have, you should be able to find a role that suits you.
That said, industry experience is always highly valued, so you will likely have more opportunities to choose from once you've got a few years of work under your belt.
Key Skills
If you're interested in working in the field of gene therapy, the following key skills will help you to stand out from other candidates:
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to interpret complex papers, results, data, etc.
- Research skills
- A good sense of initiative
- Manufacturing (engineering support)
Gene Therapy Recruitment
Applying for a new job can be an exciting process, but it can also be pretty stressful. Having the right support at this crucial time is the best way to make sure you're on track to achieve your career goals.
If you're interested in becoming a gene therapist, we at Hyper Recruitment Solutions can help you out. If you have any questions about gene therapy, the roles available in this sector, and the skills and qualifications that will help you to get hired, get in touch with our award-winning recruitment team today.
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