Molecular and Cellular Biologists
19-1029.02

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Sample of reported job titles: Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
91
 
Core
Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
89
 
Core
Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
85
 
Core
Write grant applications to obtain funding.
84
 
Core
Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
82
 
Core
Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
81
 
Core
Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
80
 
Core
Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
79
 
Core
Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
78
 
Core
Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
77
 
Core
Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
76
 
Core
Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
75
 
Core
Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
69
 
Core
Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
63
 
Core
Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
63
 
Core
Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
62
 
Core
Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
57
 
Core
Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
54
 
Core
Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
50
 
Core
Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
54
 
Supplemental
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.

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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 35%
     
    responded: Bachelor’s degree required
  • 35%
     
    responded: Post-doctoral training required
  • 23%
     
    responded: Doctoral degree required

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Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
95
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
67
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
66
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Employment data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Industry data for Biological Scientists, All Other.
Median wages (2022)
$41.97 hourly, $87,300 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
60,400 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
4,700
State trends
Top industries (2022)
Government (38% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

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