Molecular and Cellular Biologist
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, and meeting presentations.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Monitor or operate specialized equipment such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- 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.
Key Skills
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Molecular Biology Director
- Life Science Research Assistant
- Molecular Biology Professor
- Biologist
- Molecular Biologist
Job Outlook
There were about 38,700 jobs for Molecular and Cellular Biologist in 2016 in the United States. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Molecular and Cellular Biologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,700 positions for Molecular and Cellular Biologist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Molecular and Cellular Biologist are Nevada, Utah, and Ohio. The states with the worst job growth are Wyoming, South Dakota, and Rhode Island.
Salary
The average yearly salary of a Molecular and Cellular Biologist ranges between $45,030 and $126,390.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists who work in Maryland, Rhode Island, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
Tools & Technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Minitab
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Mathsoft Mathcad
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Data mining software
- Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST
- ClustalW
- PHYLIPGraphPad Software GraphPad Prism
- Primer3
- Mendel
- Molecular Devices Corporation MetaMorph
- FASTA
- Textco BioSoftware Gene Inspector
- EnzymeX