Also called: Synthetic Biology Scientist
Designs and builds new biological parts and systems, like programming cells to make medicines or materials.
Designs a DNA circuit on a computer that makes yeast produce a rare fragrance, orders the DNA, inserts it into cells, and tests which designs work best.
Estimate; industry pays more than universities.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
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: Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry.
Growing faster than average. Tracks BLS life scientists (medical scientists and biochemists grow faster than average).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI models draft DNA designs and predict which will work; choosing goals, building cells and judging messy results stays human.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, AP Calculus, Intro to programming.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
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.