What is a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?
Example of Molecular and Cellular Biologist Job Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
A Day in the Life of a Molecular and Cellular Biologist
- Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
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Things a Molecular and Cellular Biologist Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Molecular and Cellular Biologists say are important on the job.
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 for this Occupation:
- Molecular Biology Professor
- Structural Biologist
- Purification Scientist
- Cell Biologist
- DNA Sequencing Associate
Job Outlook for Molecular and Cellular Biologists
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. 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.
Salary for a Molecular and Cellular Biologist
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.
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 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 is needed to be a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

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

Where Molecular and Cellular Biologists Work

Molecular and Cellular Biologists work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Molecular and Cellular Biologist might also be interested in the following careers:
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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