Geneticist
Research scientist studying genes, heredity and genetic variation — from molecular genetics to population genetics. In Kenya — where genetic research on human populations, infectious diseases, agriculture and wildlife is growing — geneticists at KEMRI, universities and research institutions advance genomic science.
- AI exposure
- 39 of 100, low exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 25%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- No
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Time to senior
- 12 years
A day in the role
Analyses genome sequences from a population genetics study — identifying genetic variants. Runs PCR and gel electrophoresis for a gene expression study. Uses bioinformatics tools to analyse RNA-seq data. Studies genetic diversity in a wildlife population. Supervises a graduate student's genetics project. Prepares a research paper on population genetics in African populations. Attends a genomics conference.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 50,000-100,000
- Mid
- KES 120,000-280,000
- Senior
- KES 320,000-750,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 44% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
Named task by task
Already automated
- AI-powered genome sequence analysis and variant calling
- Automated gene expression analysis from RNA-seq data
- AI-assisted population genetics modelling
- Generating genetic risk prediction models
Still human
- Conducting genetics research — studying gene function, genetic variation, heredity, genetic disorders
- Conducting human genetics research — population genetics, genetic diseases, pharmacogenomics in African populations
- Conducting molecular genetics — gene cloning, CRISPR, gene expression studies, functional genomics
- Managing genome sequencing — DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis
- Studying population genetics — genetic diversity, population structure, evolutionary genetics
- Conducting agricultural genetics — crop and livestock genetics, marker-assisted selection, GMO research
- Studying wildlife genetics — conservation genetics, population genetics of threatened species
- Publishing research — writing scientific papers on genetics, presenting at conferences
Task counts
- Displacing
- Minimal — genetics requires laboratory work, research design and scientific interpretation.
- Augmenting
- AI genome analysis and bioinformatics significantly accelerate research.
Sources
Behind the rating- H3Africa genomics research
- KEMRI genetics programmes
- Kenya genomics research landscape
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
BSc Genetics/Biomedical + MSc/PhD Genetics
10-14 yearsVery high cost
BSc Genetics, Biomedical Science or Biochemistry plus MSc and PhD in Genetics or Genomics
Who hires
- KEMRI
- ILRI
- ICIPE
- Universities (UoN, JKUAT, Kenyatta)
Common misconceptions
Geneticists just do DNA tests
Genetics encompasses molecular genetics, population genetics, evolutionary genetics, medical genetics, agricultural genetics and conservation genetics — a broad and fundamental science discipline.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Growth outlook
- Net demand change
- +15%
- Over
- 2026-2028
- Drivers
- African genomics research growth,Precision medicine initiatives,Agricultural genetics demand,Conservation genetics needs
- Headwinds
- Limited genomics infrastructure,Limited bioinformatics capacity,Brain drain
What to learn
- AI-powered genome analysis and variant calling
- CRISPR and gene editing technologies
- Single-cell genomics
- Bioinformatics and computational genetics
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
Genetics is a growing research discipline in Kenya with applications in health, agriculture and conservation. Key context: Kenya is contributing to African genomics — the African Population Genetics diversity project, H3Africa (Human Heredity and Health in Africa — NIH-funded genomics research), Sickle Cell Disease research (Kenya has significant SCD burden), and HIV genetics (viral genetics, host genetics of HIV resistance). Key institutions: KEMRI (human genetics — genetic diseases, pharmacogenomics), ILRI (livestock genetics — animal genetics, genomics), ICIPE (insect genetics), universities (UoN, JKUAT, Kenyatta — genetics departments). Key research areas: human population genetics (African genetic diversity — most genetically diverse populations globally), genetic diseases (sickle cell, thalassemia, albinism), pharmacogenomics (drug response in African populations), agricultural genetics (crop and livestock improvement), and conservation genetics (wildlife population genetics). Key challenges: limited genomics infrastructure (sequencing capacity — most samples sent abroad), limited bioinformatics capacity, limited research funding, and brain drain. Salary: entry KES 50,000-100,000 (research assistant), mid KES 120,000-280,000 (research scientist), senior KES 320,000-750,000+ (principal investigator). International-funded positions and genomics-focused roles pay more.
Further reading
This role is rated 39 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.