I want to study genetics-?

[CavySpirit]

So I've been searching for what career I'd like, but found an option I think would be really neat. Problem is I'm not sure if this is even a job out there lol Or anything else about it, like pay, or what it takes to get into?

I would really like to attempt to find out what it is that causes the rare genetic mutations of the larger species(lutino african grey, lutino blue and gold, white scarlet macaw, silver blue and gold, etc..). These birds are beautiful for their colors, but I want to study their genetics and see if it's possible to get breeding pairs of them that will always produce the mutation babies.

Anyone know any details about such a career? I'm not sure what exactly to search for with this sort of career, I don't want to just sit in a lab and study genetics, I'd like to also chain-breed pairs and actually try to get these odd colors. c:

 

[MeganMango]

Hello!
I am currently completing a PhD in Neuroimmunology, but I focused my undergraduate studies in Molecular Biology. This is basically where you have to head if you are interested in genetics. Let me tell you, I absolutely love genetics! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me! I studied the gene apoE for 3 years in reference to Alzheimer's disease. I am working on some immune genetics now in MS pathology, but I have a LOT of back ground in genetics. To get into this field you would have to complete an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology, you would then need to complete at least a masters degree if you want to get into research, but realistically probably a PhD and maybe even a post-doctoral degree in the field of genetics. I doubt you would be able to find a project in parrot color mutation, but look into Universities with veterinary schools and what their research focuses are. Each lab has its own focus and there might be something you are interested in. Most research is funded by donation and pharmaceutical companies. Since the economy is so poor right now, there is very little research funding. Most money goes into disease and pharmaceuticals. Ill see if I can find some cool papers on parrot genetics and get back to you. Keep looking into your passion, there are lots of careers in genetics that arent in research.