| In the world of science, proteomics is analogous to | | | | Once someone has confirmed that they are a good |
| genomics in that proteomics studies the structures | | | | candidate to consider proteomics jobs in the future, |
| and functions of the entire complement of proteins in | | | | they should be sure to pursue the correct educational |
| the same manner that genomics focuses on the | | | | preparation. First, the potential candidate must |
| entire structure of the genome. In practice, | | | | obtain a Bachelor's degree from an accredited |
| proteomics jobs can be even more complicated than | | | | institution. Major course work should be focused on |
| careers in genomics because unlike the genome, the | | | | molecular biology or biochemistry, with additional |
| proteome can vary from cell to cell and from time to | | | | classes in calculus, physics, and organic chemistry. |
| time. This makes identification and analysis of | | | | Research experience is mandatory for those looking |
| proteomes a very time consuming and arduous | | | | to pursue graduate level study in this discipline, so |
| process. | | | | any undergraduate research opportunities should be |
| Studying both the genome and the proteome has led | | | | taken full advantage of by the future proteomics |
| to the identification and manufacture of potential | | | | scientist. |
| new drugs which may treat disease. In terms of | | | | While pursuing their Master's degree, a proteomics |
| proteomics, if a certain protein structure is identified | | | | candidate might take courses such as biocomputing, |
| as being connected to a certain ailment, a drug can | | | | microarray data analysis, molecular modeling and |
| be designed to interfere with the functioning of that | | | | structure-based drug design, and bioinformatics. |
| protein, thus limiting the growth and spread of the | | | | Clearly a person with an objective appreciation for |
| disease. Eventually, proteomics jobs may include | | | | the sciences and the ability to focus on highly detailed |
| designing specific drugs for specific people based on | | | | reports and information is the best candidate for jobs |
| their individual protein structures, resulting in a much | | | | in proteomics. The candidate must also be able to |
| higher success rate in treatment. | | | | convert that raw data into usable information, so |
| Several diseases which have been particularly difficult | | | | critical thinking skills are absolutely mandatory. |
| to isolate and treat may be targeted in the future by | | | | After the potential employee completes his or her |
| proteomics scientists. These diseases include | | | | education requirements, they may choose to focus |
| Alzheimer's, heart disease, and the HIV virus. With | | | | on a specific area of specialization. Some of the |
| all of these conditions, certain biomarkers on proteins | | | | options might include protein modification, protein |
| can indicate a patient who is at risk for contracting | | | | quantification, structural proteomics, or the newest |
| the disease. If a medical professional can identify | | | | branch of discipline- cellular proteomics. Which area |
| these biomarkers, they may be able to treat the | | | | of specialization a person chooses might depend on |
| patient more quickly and efficiently, thus increasing | | | | whether they prefer to focus on protein separation, |
| their chances of recovery, or at least a reduction in | | | | or on protein identification. Another option for a |
| symptoms. Therefore, proteomics careers can have | | | | proteomics graduate would be to focus their work |
| a huge impact on the quality of life of many people. | | | | on the technological aspect of proteomics, specializing |
| Attention to detail and an aptitude for data analysis | | | | in reverse phase chromatography, x-ray |
| are just two of the qualifications that a person | | | | crystallography, or tandem mass spectrometry, just |
| considering proteomics jobs should posses. Good | | | | to name a few. |
| communication skills, the ability to work well alone as | | | | No matter which specialty a person chooses to |
| well as within a team, and an interest in computer | | | | pursue, proteomics jobs are sure to offer a person a |
| technology are all important factors to take into | | | | long, stable career working to improve the quality of |
| consideration if one is researching the prospect of | | | | life for people all over the world. If someone is |
| becoming a proteomics scientist. In addition, a | | | | analytical, detail oriented, and has an affinity for the |
| proteomics scientist might occasionally be faced with | | | | sciences, he or she is sure to find a niche in the |
| some of the ethical issues inherent in the molecular | | | | proteomics sciences. With hard work and |
| life sciences, so should feel secure in his or her beliefs | | | | determination, any candidate with the right aptitudes |
| and possess a strategy to manage some of the | | | | can enjoy their journey in proteomics. |
| conflicts that may arise. | | | | |