Single-Cell Genomics Scientist

Also called: Spatial Biology Scientist, Single-Cell Biologist

Reads the genes active in individual cells to map every cell type in a tissue.

A day in the life

Breaks a tumor into single cells, sequences thousands at once, and makes maps showing which cells are where, part of efforts like the Human Cell Atlas.

Pay over a career

Starting
$90k
Typical
$125k
High
$180k

Estimate; industry pays more than universities.

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

Training

Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biology or a related field, often plus a postdoc.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology.

Outlook

Growing faster than average. Tracks BLS life scientists (medical scientists and biochemists grow faster than average).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. AI annotates cell types and builds atlases automatically; preparing tissues and asking good biological questions stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science.

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.

More Genetics & Genomics careers

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.