Intensive research in this new frontier science has created advanced awareness of cures for inherited and durable diseases. Unsurprisingly there’s growing demand for genetics professionals
Over a decade ago, Dolly, the world’s most famous sheep was cloned successfully — a breakthrough which brought the science of genetics to the forefront of global consciousness. Since then, universities and research institutes around the world are actively engaged in the study of genetics and related sciences in the hope of finding technological break-throughs for humanity’s new scourges such as AIDS and cancer. Intensive research in this new frontier science has created advanced awareness and effective treatments for inherited and durable diseases. As a result, there is growing demand for genetics engineers worldwide.
Genetics or genetics engineering as it is popularly known, explores the use of a wide range of technologies and techniques to modify and/or change genetic material in the DNA (or mRNA) codes of living organisms. Genes or genetic material from the DNA of one species is taken and mixed with those of another. Genetics engineers also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through generations, and the causes and effects of genetic disorders. By deciphering genetic codes they attempt to discover cures for these disorders.
A duly qualified genetics engineer must possess a graduate/postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry. The basic eligibility criterion for admission into a degree programme (BE/B.Tech) in genetics engineering is Plus Two with biology, chemistry and maths or a bachelor’s degree in science or molecular biology.
Most higher education institutions don’t offer study programmes in genetics engineering per se but as a subsidiary subject in biotechnology, microbiology, and biochemistry degree programmes. Specialised undergraduate degree programmes in genetics engineer-ing are offered by Kakatiya University, Warangal and Osmania University, Hyderabad. Among the reputed univer-sities offering this programme at the postgraduate level are the Bio-Informatics Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi; Indian Institutes of Technology at Kharagpur, Delhi and Mumbai; Jadavpur University (Kolkata); universities of Delhi, Pune, Kerala, Mumbai; Vellore Institute of Techno-logy; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, among others. After postgraduation, students enrol in research institutes such as Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, or go abroad for further education and research.
Against this backdrop, it’s hardly surprising that employment oppor-tunities for qualified genetics engineers (GEs), especially postgraduates and Ph Ds, are aplenty. In particular genetics engineers are required as research scholars and those with postgrad qualifications as collegiate and varsity faculty the world over. Besides research, qualified GEs have the option of employment in the pharmaceutical industry which requires scientists train-ed in molecular biology, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, immunogenetics and related disciplines. They also find work in specialist hospitals in the area of genetics counseling or opt for clinical genetics which involves diagnosis and treatment of people with genetic disorders, besides writing for scientific and medical journals.
“It’s not easy to land a job immed-iately after M.Sc as most employers prefer experienced personnel. But once you’ve acquired work experience, the Indian scenario is bright, as most western corporates have established research and backroom offices in India which has expanded the job market,” says Areeba Khan, a brilliant young Mumbai-based genetics engineer.
Currently training at the city’s well-known Jaslok Hospital in cytogenetics which tests chromosome disorders, Khan graduated with a B.Sc majoring in genetics from the Garden City College, Bangalore in 2009. Thereafter, she enroled with the University of Leeds, UK which awarded her a Masters in human genetics last September.
“Human genetics involves the study of genetic traits starting from eye colour to inheritance of diseases and infirmities. If a diseased gene is mapped, it helps determine the chances of it being transmitted. Through mapping one can calculate the chances of a normal healthy individual acquiring neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and diabetes. I became interested in this field as a child after witnessing my grandmother suffer from diabetes. In India, considerable research is being conducted in cancer and new stem cell therapies and there’s growing awareness within the middle class of the pivotal role of genetics in our lives,” says Khan.
According to Khan beneath the glacial surface of Indian academia there’s considerable research activity in animal and plant genetics in institutions of higher education. She herself recently completed a three-month research project on sodium channel genes for epilepsy at Leeds University and intends to undertake a 24-36 months research initiative within the pharmaceutical industry before writing her Ph D thesis.
“There’s great potential for genetics professionals, especially now with larger allocations for research by government and the corporate sector. It’s a profession of the future,” enthuses Khan.
Indra Gidwani (Mumbai)