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.
Molecular biologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real molecular biologist resumes:
- 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.
- Follow GLP guidelines, test and modify protocol to verify the model's precision and accuracy.
- Perform a variety of non-research biological science testing, including DNA extraction and multiplex and real-time PCR.
- Assure GLP regulatory compliance of aforemention projects.
- Develop and implement QC tests ensuring assay capability of prototype instruments.
- Prepare assay reagents and QC samples in gmp-regulate BSL-2 scale-up manufacturing facility.
- Perform nucleic acid extraction, assay preparation and laboratory data analysis/interpretation in BS-2 environment.
- Write detail reports on findings, mapping using ArcGIS database and presentation on reports when require.
- Labele proteins for Bio NMR.
- Manipulate potentially contaminate tissues and utilize hazardous chemicals consistent with CDC & OSHA standards.
Molecular biologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Molecular Biologists are proficient in CRISPR, Next-Generation Sequencing, and Cell Culture.
We break down the percentage of Molecular Biologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CRISPR, 8%
Design CRISPR alleles and isolate injected fly lineages with anticipated mutations.
- Next-Generation Sequencing, 7%
Established a next-generation sequencing lab that consistently exceeded industry standards for data quantity and quality.
- Cell Culture, 6%
Experience working with MP-12 strain (BSL-2) of Rift Valley Fever in cell culture.
- Lab Equipment, 6%
Evaluated lab equipment and set up a Molecular Biology Lab.
- Molecular Biology Techniques, 5%
Coordinated the development of in-house robotics equipment with laboratory production protocols for the seamless integration of robotics and molecular biology techniques.
- Extraction, 5%
Process client samples from DNA extraction from Saliva to whole genome analysis using BeadChip technology.
"crispr," "next-generation sequencing," and "cell culture" are among the most common skills that molecular biologists use at work. You can find even more molecular biologist responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a molecular biologist to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Additionally, a molecular biologist resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "learned and demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills as i coordinated data collection with local public elementary schools. "
Observation skills. Another essential skill to perform molecular biologist duties is observation skills. Molecular biologists responsibilities require that "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." Molecular biologists also use observation skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "involved in analysis, requirement gathering and documentation of results and observation for the technical report. "
The three companies that hire the most molecular biologists are:
- Texas10 molecular biologists jobs
- Pacific Architects and Engineers
8 molecular biologists jobs
- US Meat Animal Research Center6 molecular biologists jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable molecular biologist resume templates
Build a professional molecular biologist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your molecular biologist resume.
Compare different molecular biologists
Molecular biologist vs. Assistant research scientist
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a molecular biologist are more likely to require skills like "assay development," "tissue culture," "public health," and "facs." On the other hand, a job as an assistant research scientist requires skills like "chemistry," "laboratory equipment," "python," and "pi." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Assistant research scientists earn the highest salaries when working in the education industry, with an average yearly salary of $71,080. On the other hand, molecular biologists are paid more in the health care industry with an average salary of $83,259.The education levels that assistant research scientists earn slightly differ from molecular biologists. In particular, assistant research scientists are 5.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a molecular biologist. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Molecular biologist vs. Postdoctoral associate
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that molecular biologist responsibilities requires skills like "lab equipment," "experimental design," "assay development," and "tissue culture." But a postdoctoral associate might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "tip," "biomedical," and "python."
Postdoctoral associates may earn a lower salary than molecular biologists, but postdoctoral associates earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $53,445. On the other hand, molecular biologists receive higher pay in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $83,259.postdoctoral associates earn lower levels of education than molecular biologists in general. They're 7.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for molecular biologists in the next 3-5 years?
Sage Franetovich
Science Technology Engineering Math, Holyoke Community College
Molecular biologist vs. Research technician
A research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from molecular biologist resumes include skills like "assay development," "protein expression," "public health," and "ngs," whereas a research technician is more likely to list skills in "patients," "laboratory equipment," "data entry," and "biochemistry. "
Research technicians earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $51,020. Comparatively, molecular biologists have the highest earning potential in the health care industry, with an average salary of $83,259.Most research technicians achieve a lower degree level compared to molecular biologists. For example, they're 10.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 12.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Molecular biologist vs. Research laboratory technician
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.
Types of molecular biologist
Updated January 8, 2025
