If you’re a molecular genetics specialist in higher education, you might be thinking about where your academic career will take you next.
This post outlines the role of Reader in Molecular Genetics in UK higher education. Readers are senior academics with distinguished international reputations in research and scholarship. They can be equivalent to a senior lecturer or can rank one rung higher (equal to associate professor), depending on the academic structure of individual institutions.
What is Molecular Genetics?
It is the study of the molecular structure and activities of DNA and how this influences and impacts an entire organism in the context of disease. Molecular geneticists analyse how DNA is replicated, sequenced and decoded to make proteins and molecules in tissues and cells.
This work provides insight into how genes and genomes feature in a medical condition or disease and applies this knowledge to developing new treatments and therapies. Typical employers include medical schools, higher education, research facilities and biosciences, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Reader in Molecular Genetics
Readers in Molecular Genetics lead research and deliver teaching to undergraduates across biological and biomedical sciences. They also coordinate specialist postgraduate programmes in molecular genetics.
Duties include:
- Leading and contributing to research programmes in molecular genetics
- Collaborating with the global scientific community in translational research and knowledge exchange.
- Publishing outcomes of research in high-ranking journals and papers.
- Leading and delivering specialist modules and taught programmes at all levels.
- Curriculum design and development.
- Supervising and mentoring PhD students and early-career researchers.
- Enhancing the profile of molecular genetics through a variety of partnerships and channels.
How to Become a Reader in Molecular Genetics
Readers are established academics who have worked their way up the academic ranks through years of dedication to research excellence and teaching. To be selected for a Reader position, you would need the following qualifications, experience and knowledge:
Essential qualifications
- BSc in a biosciences or biomedical sciences discipline.
- PhD in molecular genetics or a related area.
- Higher education teaching qualification and Senior Fellowship with Advance HE.
Experience and knowledge
Candidates would need to have a long track record in impactful research and teaching. The ability to lead, develop and implement the School or Faculty’s research strategy would also be essential.
Most academics at this level are active in several research groups, committees and organisations. Promotion to Reader would depend on a candidate’s ability to forge strong partnerships both in academia and with external organisations. Expert knowledge of the research and funding landscape in genetics would be essential.
What’s the pay?
Readers can expect a starting salary of at least £50,000 to £59,999 p.a., however, Readers in biological sciences disciplines can command much higher salaries, depending on experience and research profile.
What can it lead to?
After a few years in the role of Reader, you could apply for a professorship or a higher education management role. Promotion would depend on the profile and success of your research and the quality of your teaching practice.
Where can I find jobs?
Molecular genetics is taught as part of biosciences undergraduate degree programmes and as a standalone subject at postgraduate level. Therefore, it’s a good idea to focus on institutions which offer this type of programme during your job search.
You’ll find a wide range of exciting lecturing, research and senior-level genetics jobs here at jobs.ac.uk. Take a look at our current opportunities and be first in line for new roles by registering for a jobs-by-email alert.
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