Xenotransplantation Scientist

Also called: Xenotransplant Researcher, Gene-Edited Organ Scientist

Develops gene-edited pigs whose kidneys and hearts can be transplanted into people, aiming to end the organ shortage.

A day in the life

Plans gene edits that hide pig cells from the human immune system, checks edited embryos in the lab, and tracks the health of donor pigs in a clean facility. When a pig kidney is transplanted into a patient, you study blood and tissue samples to see how the body responds.

Pay over a career

Starting
$85k
Typical
$115k
High
$170k

Estimate; a tiny field.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in immunology, genetics or animal science, or an MD or DVM with research training.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Professional school. Training cost: Over $150k.

Majors to look at: Genetics, Immunology, Animal Science, Biology.

Outlook

Growing faster than average. Early human trials of pig organs began in the mid-2020s.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI helps design gene edits, but working with animals, organs and patients stays human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Animal science (FFA), Statistics.

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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.