Will AI replace Geneticists?

AI can do 75% of the work Geneticists do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 7 of their 24 tasks, while 12 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 1 physical task. 4 still need a person.

AI is already doing this7 · 45% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.Mostly automated12% of time
  • Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.Mostly automated9% of time
  • Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.Mostly automated8% of time
  • Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.Mostly automated7% of time
  • Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Design and maintain genetics computer databases.Mostly assisted1% of time

AI could do this next12 · 30% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.8% of time
  • Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.5% of time
  • Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.4% of time
  • Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.3% of time
  • Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.2% of time
  • Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.2% of time
  • Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.1% of time
  • Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.1% of time
  • Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.1% of time
  • Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.1% of time
  • Plan curatorial programs for species collections that include acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration.under 1% of time
  • Participate in the development of endangered species breeding programs or species survival plans.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this1 · 7% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving processes such as gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.Robots: purpose built settings7% of time

Still needs a person4 · 19% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.9% of time
  • Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosis and management of genetic disorders.4% of time
  • Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.4% of time
  • Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. People in this job already use it heavily. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 7 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 12 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 1 physical task robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 4 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Biochemists and Biophysicists60%Microbiologists61%Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists68%Bioinformatics Scientists98%Molecular and Cellular Biologists68%Biologists52%

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