Also called: Molecular Data Storage Scientist, DNA Storage Engineer
Encodes digital files like photos and music into synthetic DNA, which can hold huge amounts of data for thousands of years in a tiny tube.
You write software that turns a video file into long strings of the DNA letters A, C, G and T, with extra codes to catch errors. In the lab, one machine builds those DNA strands and a sequencer later reads them back. Today you're figuring out why a few files came back with gaps.
Estimated from biotech and tech research lab pay; few jobs exist.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in bioengineering, computer science or molecular biology is typical.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Bioengineering, Computer Science, Molecular Biology, Electrical Engineering.
Growing much faster than average. A tiny startup and research field that is growing as the world makes more data.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI helps design codes and analyze reads, but lab chemistry and inventing new storage methods stay human research.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, AP Computer Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2199.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.