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Molecular biologist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Robin Verble,

Joseph Kezele

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical molecular biologist skills. We ranked the top skills for molecular biologists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.3% of molecular biologist resumes contained crispr as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a molecular biologist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 molecular biologist skills for your resume and career

1. CRISPR

Here's how molecular biologists use crispr:

Design CRISPR alleles and isolate injected fly lineages with anticipated mutations.
Constructed CRISPR, TALEN and shRNA knockdown vectors.

2. Next-Generation Sequencing

Here's how molecular biologists use next-generation sequencing:

Established a next-generation sequencing lab that consistently exceeded industry standards for data quantity and quality.
Review Next-generation sequencing data for clinical cases.

3. Cell Culture

Here's how molecular biologists use cell culture:

Experience working with MP-12 strain (BSL-2) of Rift Valley Fever in cell culture.
Managed cell lab, cryogenic storage, cell culture support, and training.

4. Lab Equipment

Here's how molecular biologists use lab equipment:

Evaluated lab equipment and set up a Molecular Biology Lab.
Supervised and operated lab equipments and issued the final reports of the patients.

5. Molecular Biology Techniques

Here's how molecular biologists use molecular biology techniques:

Coordinated the development of in-house robotics equipment with laboratory production protocols for the seamless integration of robotics and molecular biology techniques.
Utilized standard microbial cultivation, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology techniques to study uncultured mixed communities of microorganisms.

6. Extraction

Here's how molecular biologists use extraction:

Process client samples from DNA extraction from Saliva to whole genome analysis using BeadChip technology.
Document lab compliance with Abbott Laboratories' DNA Extraction and Handling Facility Requirements, GLP and GCP compliance and D424 SOPs.

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7. Data Analysis

Here's how molecular biologists use data analysis:

Assisted collaborators in data analysis by developing software macros.
Developed and implemented SNP assay for data analysis of various vegetable crops.

8. RT-PCR

Here's how molecular biologists use rt-pcr:

Performed real-time RT-PCR amplification of the HA, NA, and MA genes.
Analyzed transgenic cell and tissue analysis by RT-PCR assay 5.

9. Elisa

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA is an examination or test to measure and detect a person's specific antigen, antibodies, and protein. This type of test will identify if the sample component is infected with a relative disease or condition such as HIV infection, anemia, Zika Virus, and Lyme disease with just a single experiment.

Here's how molecular biologists use elisa:

Played a lead role in developing, optimizing and validating ELISA and ELISA microarrays.
Performed ELISA assays to measure the effects of a PARP inhibitor and an anti-angiogenic compound on multiple circulating proteins (e.g.

10. Experimental Design

Experimental design is the process of researching in an objective and controlled manner to maximize precision and draw specific conclusions about a hypothesis statement. It is a concept used to efficiently organize, conduct, and interpret the results of experiments to ensure that as much useful information as possible is obtained by conducting a small number of trials. This minimizes the effects of the variables to increase the reliability of the results.

Here's how molecular biologists use experimental design:

Collaborated with Lead Researchers with computer analysis/reports, experimental design/implementation for horticultural and agronomic research
Managed grant budgets and purchased all equipment and materials necessary for construction and completion of field and laboratory experimental designs.

11. Assay Development

Assay development is a process in molecular biology to test or measure the activity of a drug or biochemical substance in an organic sample or organism and to screen putative compounds to determine the interaction and/or modification of the target. The aim is to standardize the assay and to be able to use it repeatedly and reproducibly.

Here's how molecular biologists use assay development:

Developed nucleic acid-based amplification assays for point-of-care diagnostics Worked directly with VP of Assay Development and Scientific Founder.
Performed RT-PCR assay development and validation.

12. Gene Expression

Gene expression is a process whereby function products like proteins get synthesized by human DNA, making it easy for cells to adjust to external and internal factors.

Here's how molecular biologists use gene expression:

Planned and conducted a project examining patterns of cellular gene expression in infected swine macrophages.
Conceived and performed qRT- PCR to study gene expression.

13. Research Projects

Here's how molecular biologists use research projects:

Established and maintained the molecular biology laboratory and developed techniques and protocols for research projects.
Supervised multiple research projects involving testing antigen with protein micro array.

14. Rna Extraction

Here's how molecular biologists use rna extraction:

Performed multiple RNA extractions from various bovine tissues from which I successfully completed the first transcription profiling experiments at Monsanto.
Perform genomic DNA and RNA extractions and large scale plasmid preparations.

15. Protein Expression

Here's how molecular biologists use protein expression:

Investigated the mechanism of action of drug in their ability to inhibit HCV protein expression.
Optimize protein expression in host organisms through expression vector design and insertion.

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What skills help Molecular Biologists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on molecular biologist resumes?

Dr. Robin Verble

Professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology

I think we will continue to see remotely staffed positions, more environmental health positions opening up as employers start to consider their workplace safety on a finer level, and a renewed interest in creating outdoor spaces for public use, which will generate jobs in a variety if ways.

What soft skills should all molecular biologists possess?

Joseph Kezele

Associate Professor of Biology, Arizona Christian University

The ability to think and reason logically. Too many young people cannot do so because they were spoon-fed and then expected to regurgitate that back.

What hard/technical skills are most important for molecular biologists?

Joseph Kezele

Associate Professor of Biology, Arizona Christian University

Microscope work

What molecular biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Nicole Browning Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology, Biology Coordinator, Brenau University

A gap year should be filled with efforts to gain hands-on experience in the specific job field the candidate is hoping to enter. This may include volunteer work, internships, shadowing, or research work. A great place to look for these opportunities is with faculty at your alma mater. Faculty are often looking for cheap (or free) labor from graduates in the form of TAs, research assistants, lab assistants, and so on. This can provide invaluable experience, make you more competitive in the job market, and allow the graduate with real-world experience to ensure this is the position (or not).

What type of skills will young molecular biologists need?

Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D.

Professor, University of Southern California

In addition to the essential skill set of an oceanographic discipline (biological, chemical, physical or geological fields) - being adaptable, having a breadth of knowledge and ability to cross disciplinary boundaries and communication skills e.g., the ability to talk to regulators, policymakers, and the general public will all help.

What technical skills for a molecular biologist stand out to employers?

Shahir Rizk Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Indiana University South Bend and Indiana University School of Medicine

Any research experience will be an important asset to have as you go into the job market. Beyond the ability to conduct and design experiments, it shows that you have had experience in problem-solving, analytical skills. Another very important aspect is writing and oral communication. In virtually all sectors of science jobs, the ability to communicate information to different levels of audiences is crucial to success. In some cases, experience in business administration or public policy can be an added benefit to success in scientific fields.

Do you want to know more?

List of molecular biologist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a molecular biologist resume and required skills for a molecular biologist to have include:

CRISPR
Next-Generation Sequencing
Cell Culture
Lab Equipment
Molecular Biology Techniques
Extraction
Data Analysis
RT-PCR
Elisa
Experimental Design
Assay Development
Gene Expression
Research Projects
Rna Extraction

Protein Expression
Cell Lines
Tissue Culture
Cell-Based Assays
Public Health
R
Western Blotting
FACS
Genotyping
Microorganisms
Electrophoresis
USDA
NGS
Blot

Lims
Real-Time PCR
Biological Samples
Journal Articles
Bsl-2
GLP
Oral Reports
Enzymes
Pathogens
GMP
Federal Agencies
ISO
Bioassays
Proficiency Testing

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Updated January 8, 2025

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