What Do Molecular and Cellular Biologist Do?
Career Description Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
What Do Molecular and Cellular Biologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
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Things a Molecular and Cellular Biologist Should Know How to Do
When polled, Molecular and Cellular Biologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Molecular and Cellular Biologist
- Cellular Biologist
- Purification Scientist
- Molecular Biologist
- Life Science Research Assistant
- Cell Biologist
Are There Job Opportunities for Molecular and Cellular Biologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 38,700 jobs in the United States for Molecular and Cellular Biologist. 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. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Molecular and Cellular Biologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Molecular and Cellular Biologists is somewhere between $45,030 and $126,390.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists who work in Maryland, Rhode Island, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
How much do Molecular and Cellular Biologists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $67,200 |
| Alaska | $77,430 |
| Arizona | $83,680 |
| Arkansas | $74,380 |
| California | $91,340 |
| Colorado | $71,380 |
| Connecticut | $93,180 |
| Delaware | $91,760 |
| District of Columbia | $104,460 |
| Florida | $71,200 |
| Georgia | $72,460 |
| Hawaii | $79,760 |
| Idaho | $70,770 |
| Illinois | $84,180 |
| Indiana | $69,180 |
| Iowa | $62,320 |
| Kansas | $64,560 |
| Kentucky | $64,780 |
| Louisiana | $66,100 |
| Maine | $76,840 |
| Maryland | $103,790 |
| Massachusetts | $84,790 |
| Michigan | $75,110 |
| Minnesota | $73,770 |
| Mississippi | $80,690 |
| Missouri | $67,290 |
| Montana | $66,110 |
| Nebraska | $74,790 |
| Nevada | $73,490 |
| New Hampshire | $78,780 |
| New Jersey | $76,330 |
| New Mexico | $73,610 |
| New York | $89,000 |
| North Carolina | $83,380 |
| North Dakota | $70,590 |
| Ohio | $67,780 |
| Oklahoma | $64,200 |
| Oregon | $69,930 |
| Pennsylvania | $73,550 |
| Rhode Island | $89,210 |
| South Carolina | $78,370 |
| South Dakota | $65,660 |
| Tennessee | $67,690 |
| Texas | $80,900 |
| Utah | $74,290 |
| Vermont | $78,070 |
| Virginia | $93,750 |
| Washington | $85,200 |
| West Virginia | $70,060 |
| Wisconsin | $73,520 |
| Wyoming | $71,030 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Molecular and Cellular Biologists:
- 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
- GraphPad Software GraphPad Prism
- PHYLIP
- Primer3
- Molecular Devices Corporation MetaMorph
- Agilent Technologies GeneSpring GX
- EnzymeX
- FASTA
- Magma
Becoming a Molecular and Cellular Biologist
Are there Molecular and Cellular Biologists education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?
Who Employs Molecular and Cellular Biologists?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Molecular and Cellular Biologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Molecular and Cellular Biologist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Janderk via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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