Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Molecular and Cellular Biologist

Find Schools Near

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.

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.

undefined

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.

undefined

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?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

undefined

Who Employs Molecular and Cellular Biologists?

undefined

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

undefined

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.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S. for free.