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Dr. Kermit Ritland |
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November
2004
 Job title and General Description
I am a professor at UBC in the field of population genetics.
The courses I teach include Genome Evolution, Forest Genetics,
and Applied Population Genetics. I am in the Department of
Forest Sciences and my research involves the study of forestry
genomics and the evolutionary genomics of plants. Research
in this field uses genetic/genomic techniques to improve our
understanding of forest trees and associated forest organisms.
On the tree side, it is ultimately aimed at optimizing tree
breeding for improved yield, quality and pest resistance.
On the forest organism side, it is ultimately aimed at understanding
biodiversity and how we can preserve it.
What specific skills and qualities are
needed to do your job?
A PhD and an established reputation in one’s area of
research are required to be a professor. Some of the skills
required for this job are research skills, the ability to
supervise students and good teaching ability.
What do you like most about your work?
I can do what I want to do, within reason. Some of my work
gets me out into the field also, which I enjoy.
What don't you like about your job?
Dealing with administration, and finishing papers. Secretarial
support for professors is practically non-existent, and there
are too many needless forms to fill out these days. It prevents
research from being done. As to finishing papers, I have a
habit of getting them 95% done, unless a student or post-doc
pressures me to finish them.
Where do you see your career going from
here?
I'd like to move more into genomics as opposed to classical
genetics. There is so much being discovered recently about
genomes, and I like being part of it.
What is the range in salary that comes
with your job?
It depends on how many years experience and level (assistant,
associate, full levels of being a professor), generally 70-120K.
When did you know you wanted to work in
sciences?
In my second year of university I decided to major in science,
after having an “epiphany” on an ocean beach hike.
What is your educational background? Degrees?
Specific courses?
PhD and then a post-doctoral position for 3 years before I
got a job as a professor.
What was your favorite course(s) and why?
Genetics and some topics in mathematics, because genetics
underlies life and also is an active area of science with
new developments every day, and because mathematics underlies
many of the genetic processes that operate at the population
level.
What other hobbies and interests do you
have?
Mainly outdoor - skiing, running, hiking, kayaking (back when
I had one).
Do you have any advice for young people
thinking about getting into your line of work?
You have to "love" science, in other words, there is an intangible
attachment that underlies the dedication to the work; money
has no meaning.
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