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What is a molecular research technologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Molecular research technologists analyze samples in labs. They can specialize in environmental testing, isolating DNA, or any other research that requires breaking samples down to the molecular level.

Molecular research technologists are proficient in using lab equipment to collect, analyze, and manipulate samples, from microscopes to CRISPR genome editing technology. However, the job involves much more work than playing around in the lab. Molecular research technologists also need to take care of the administrative tasks that come with working in a lab, like analyzing data and preparing reports. They also clean and maintain lab equipment.

Molecular research technologists need to have extensive scientific knowledge before they can start playing around with samples. Most have bachelor's or even master's degrees in biology, chemistry, or a related field. They also need practical experience working in the lab, for example, as lab assistants or interns. Not only do molecular research technologists get to spend their days making research breakthroughs, but they also get to earn an average salary of $50,655 a year.

ScoreMolecular Research TechnologistUS Average
Salary
4.6

Avg. Salary $59,138

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.4

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 12.29%

Black or African American 4.10%

Hispanic or Latino 8.25%

Unknown 2.75%

White 72.37%

Gender

female 52.60%

male 47.40%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Molecular research technologist career paths

Key steps to become a molecular research technologist

  1. Explore molecular research technologist education requirements

    Most common molecular research technologist degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.5 %

    Master's

    20.6 %

    Associate

    5.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific molecular research technologist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CRISPR12.48%
    Lab Equipment9.29%
    Tissue Culture7.12%
    Chemistry7.10%
    Extraction6.23%
  3. Complete relevant molecular research technologist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New molecular research technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a molecular research technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real molecular research technologist resumes.
  4. Research molecular research technologist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
    • Work continuously to improve processes at the NGS prep and DNA/RNA extraction levels.
    • Conduct routine immunological assays utilizing electrophoresis and ELIZA methodologies.
    • Work with PCR and electrophoresis to study Haloquadratum walsbyi genome.
  5. Prepare your molecular research technologist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your molecular research technologist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a molecular research technologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable molecular research technologist resume templates

    Build a professional molecular research technologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your molecular research technologist resume.
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
    Molecular Research Technologist Resume
  6. Apply for molecular research technologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a molecular research technologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first molecular research technologist job

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Average molecular research technologist salary

The average molecular research technologist salary in the United States is $59,138 per year or $28 per hour. Molecular research technologist salaries range between $37,000 and $92,000 per year.

Average molecular research technologist salary
$59,138 Yearly
$28.43 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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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