Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Also known as: Biologist, Biology Researcher, Cell Biologist, Cell Biology Scientist, Cellular Biologist, DNA Sequencing Associate, Electrophysiologist, Molecular Biologist, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)
What You'd Do
- Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
- Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
- Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
- Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
- Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
- Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
- Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
- Write grant applications to obtain funding.
- Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
- Participate in all levels of bioproduct development, including proposing new products, performing market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
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Technology & Tools
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In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
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Key Abilities
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Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
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Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.