Molecular biologist vs research laboratory technician

The differences between molecular biologists and research laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a molecular biologist, becoming a research laboratory technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $38,308 average annual salary of a research laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a research laboratory technician are patients, chemistry, and laboratory equipment.

Molecular biologist vs research laboratory technician overview

	Molecular Biologist	Research Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary	$73,763	$38,308
Hourly rate	$35.46	$18.42
Growth rate	17%	9%
Number of jobs	22,019	86,476
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	8	4

What does a molecular biologist do?

A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.

What does a research laboratory technician do?

Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.

Molecular biologist vs research laboratory technician salary

Molecular biologists and research laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Molecular Biologist	Research Laboratory Technician
Average salary	$73,763	$38,308
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $104,000	Between $30,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Urban Honolulu, HI	Chicago, IL
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Illinois
Best paying company	Novartis	Accenture
Best paying industry	Health Care	Manufacturing

Differences between molecular biologist and research laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a research laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

	Molecular Biologist	Research Laboratory Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Cornell University

Molecular biologist vs research laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and research laboratory technicians' demographics:

	Molecular Biologist	Research Laboratory Technician
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1%	Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	6%

Differences between molecular biologist and research laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Molecular biologist example responsibilities.

Provide oversight for FDA inspections.
Present results in monthly HTS and data meeting.
Perform instrument, primers and reagent validations utilize in RT-PCR.
Develop and perform assays for testing samples using ELISA and PCR technology.
Used molecular techniques such as RNA and DNA isolation, RT-PCR, and qPCR.
Play a lead role in developing, optimizing and validating ELISA and ELISA microarrays.

Research laboratory technician example responsibilities.

Manage RT-PCR screening of candidate genes.
Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
Use many scientific techniques to collect and analyze RNA, DNA, and specific proteins from lines of potato plants.
Preform computational molecular simulation of DNA and RNA.
Retain patients from previous research projects and update database using patient histories and correlating pertinent medical data.
Work with non human primates in an HIV testing laboratory.

Molecular biologist vs research laboratory technician skills

Common molecular biologist skills

CRISPR, 8%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 7%
Cell Culture, 6%
Lab Equipment, 6%
Molecular Biology Techniques, 5%
Extraction, 5%

Common research laboratory technician skills

Patients, 9%
Chemistry, 7%
Laboratory Equipment, 7%
Cell Culture, 5%
Research Data, 4%
Research Projects, 4%

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Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologist vs Research Laboratory Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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