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Molecular and Cellular Biologist

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What Does it Take to Be a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

Molecular and Cellular Biologist Definition Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Molecular and Cellular Biologist 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.

What a Molecular and Cellular Biologist Should Know

These are the skills Molecular and Cellular Biologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

  • Molecular Biology Director
  • Life Science Research Assistant
  • Molecular Biology Professor
  • Biologist
  • Molecular Biologist

Molecular and Cellular 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.

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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 average yearly salary of a Molecular and Cellular Biologist ranges between $45,030 and $126,390.

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Molecular and Cellular Biologists who work in Maryland, Rhode Island, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Molecular and Cellular Biologists in different U.S. states.

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

What Tools & Technology do Molecular and Cellular Biologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Molecular and Cellular Biologists may use on a daily basis:

  • 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
  • PHYLIP
  • GraphPad Software GraphPad Prism
  • Primer3
  • Mendel
  • Molecular Devices Corporation MetaMorph
  • FASTA
  • Textco BioSoftware Gene Inspector
  • EnzymeX

Becoming a Molecular and Cellular Biologist

What education or degrees do I need to become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

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What work experience do I need to become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

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Where Molecular and Cellular Biologists Work

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Molecular and Cellular Biologists work in the following industries:

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being a Molecular and Cellular Biologist may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Molecular and Cellular Biologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Janderk via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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