How to hire a molecular research technologist

How to hire a molecular research technologist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step molecular research technologist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a molecular research technologist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new molecular research technologist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a molecular research technologist do?

Post a molecular research technologist job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a molecular research technologist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A molecular research technologist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, molecular research technologists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of molecular research technologist salaries for various roles:

   Type of Molecular Research Technologist	Description	Hourly rate
   Molecular Research Technologist	Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.	$17-44
   Marketing And Sales Coordinator	A marketing and sales coordinator is responsible for supporting the marketing and sales operations on developing promotional campaigns and marketing strategies, including analyzing the market trends to present new products and services to meet customer demands and public interests. Marketing and sales coordinators perform various administrative tasks, such as creating sales reports, responding to customers' inquiries and concerns, updating the company's social media platforms, and reaching out to existing and potential clients for new offers, generating revenues and business profitability.	$15-29
   Marketing Coordinator	A marketing coordinator supports the marketing department on deciding strategies and business efforts to develop the brand image and boost customer satisfaction. Marketing coordinators' duties include assisting in advertising campaigns, scheduling promotional events, monitoring sales status, researching current market trends, maintaining a record of existing and potential clients, and contributing ideas to improve the brand's profitability... Show more	$16-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CRISPR
   • Lab Equipment
   • Tissue Culture
   • Chemistry
   • Extraction
   • Data Analysis
   • Laboratory Techniques
   • Research Projects
   • Genotyping
   • Western Blotting
   • NIH
   • Cell Lines
   • Protein Expression
   • Molecular Biology Techniques

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Time code numerous videos for postdoctoral research on developmental behavior and violence -convert subject data into statistical input using IBM SPSS.
   • Identify glucose-induced increases in the phosphorylation levels of interest proteins, including metabolic enzymes and transcription factors by analyzing phosphoproteomics data.

   More molecular research technologist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your molecular research technologist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A molecular research technologist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, molecular research technologists' average salary in west virginia is 44% less than in kansas.
   • Seniority. Entry-level molecular research technologists earn 60% less than senior-level molecular research technologists.
   • Certifications. A molecular research technologist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a molecular research technologist's salary.

   Average molecular research technologist salary

   $59,138yearly

   $28.43 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level molecular research technologist salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average molecular research technologist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Hawaii	$70,466	$34
   2	California	$69,946	$34
   3	New York	$68,369	$33
   4	Massachusetts	$62,355	$30
   5	Delaware	$61,762	$30
   6	District of Columbia	$60,357	$29
   7	Minnesota	$56,302	$27
   8	New Mexico	$55,763	$27
   9	Texas	$53,255	$26
   10	Mississippi	$53,052	$26
   11	Missouri	$49,468	$24
   12	Virginia	$47,495	$23
   13	North Carolina	$45,644	$22

   Average molecular research technologist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Mayo Clinic	$85,053	$40.89	293
   2	Georgetown University	$71,358	$34.31	18
   3	Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center	$68,020	$32.70	24
   4	Tufts University	$65,276	$31.38	7
   5	National Renewable Energy Laboratory	$64,678	$31.10	5
   6	HHMI	$61,477	$29.56	14
   7	Boston University	$59,541	$28.63	36
   8	The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i	$59,509	$28.61
   9	PSEA	$59,463	$28.59	32
   10	Charles River Labs	$58,740	$28.24	109
   11	Cibus	$57,466	$27.63
   12	Baylor College of Medicine	$54,970	$26.43
   13	Kelly Services	$54,325	$26.12	22
   14	The University of New Mexico	$52,986	$25.47	33
   15	University of Mississippi Medical Center	$51,708	$24.86	14
   16	Duke University Health System	$51,241	$24.64	51
   17	Virginia Commonwealth University	$51,232	$24.63	98
   18	Charles River Center	$50,807	$24.43
   19	Delaware State University	$43,746	$21.03
   20	WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA	$39,599	$19.04	172

4. Writing a molecular research technologist job description

   A job description for a molecular research technologist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a molecular research technologist job description:

   Molecular research technologist job description example

   Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.
   
   We are seeking a Research Technician to support the lab of Dr. Keiko Torii at University of Texas, Austin. The Torii lab has a long-standing interest to unravel how plant stem cells function and contribute to growth and development, with specific emphasis on signal transduction pathways and underpinning genomic/epigenomic mechanisms. In addition to harnessing chemical and synthetic biology, they are designing and building synthetic signal transduction circuits to control plant growth and development suited for changing climate. More information on the lab can be found on their website.
   
   The Research Technician will collaborate closely with one or two post-doctoral fellows to support research projects within the lab, and will hold an integral role in support of the science. We are ideally targeting candidates looking to commit to the lab at least 2-3 years before moving on to your next opportunity.
   
   What You'll Do:
   Make chemical solutions and buffers as required. Basic molecular cloning (primer design, PCR, DNA/RNA purification), qRT-PCR and gene expression analyses, genotyping transgenic materials. Assist and perform maintenance and organization of E.coli and yeast strains for recombinant protein expression and purification. Running DNA gels, SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Assist sowing, transplanting, growing, propagation and maintenance of transgenic plants. Harvest seeds and organize them. May perform advanced microscopy and imaging as needed.Assist scientists, technicians and students by collecting, organizing, inventorying and maintaining biological material. Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data, specifically biological materials; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs and reports. May use software applications to assemble, manipulate and/or format data.Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments; read and record instrument data; tabulate data; keep laboratory records, and coordinate equipment repairs. Specific equipment may include centrifuges, ultracentrifuge, qPCR machines, NanoDrop, gel electrophoresis/immunoblot apparatus, freezers/cold chambers, light and confocal microscopes.Order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies. Coordinate with chemical companies and suppliers.Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions. Present at the lab meeting . Read literature applicable to research areas as required. Other tasks as needed to contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of a research laboratory
   
   Skills You Bring:
   Bachelor's degree in the life sciences or related discipline Previous experience with any of the following standard molecular biological techniques or familiarity with underlying scientific principles is a plus but not necessary:Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, genotyping) Sequencing library preparation Cryosectioning/histology Strong multitasking skills and time management Strong communication skills Ability to apply experience to new techniques and protocols and learn complex tasks with general instruction Ability to identify areas of confusion and seek help when needed Strong enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to follow instruction with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries
   
   Physical Requirements
   Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.
   
   Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
   
   Please Note:
   This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   
   Compensation and Benefits
   Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
   
   HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right molecular research technologist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with molecular research technologists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit molecular research technologists who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your molecular research technologist job on Zippia to find and recruit molecular research technologist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with molecular research technologist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new molecular research technologist

   Once you've decided on a perfect molecular research technologist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new molecular research technologist first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a molecular research technologist?