What does a molecular technologist do?
A molecular technologist is responsible for conducting laboratory examinations for clinical trials and medical research. Molecular technologists collect laboratory samples and document scientific findings to support claims and initial theories. They also utilize various advanced laboratory equipment and machinery, requiring them to have excellent knowledge of organizational skills to prevent potential hazards and inconsistencies in results. A molecular technologist works with chemical solutions and sensitive samples, resulting in strict compliance and adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
Molecular technologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real molecular technologist resumes:
- Manage and maintain Tecan for automate pipetting.
- Perform DNA and RNA isolation from blood, bone marrow, and tissue.
- Perform PCR on patient samples for various genes and check for proper amplification using gel electrophoresis.
- Follow the standard and newly add laboratory procedures and maintain compliance with OSHA, CLIA and safety risk management guidelines.
- Participate in technical laboratory tasks including bone marrow culture initiation, harvest, slide preparation and banding.
- Report preparation including individual cell analysis and any further testing results along with a composite karyotype according to ISCN naming protocol.
- Analyze RNA, DNA and proteins
- Experience in all types of pipettes.
- Gain experience in GLP and GCP.
- Describe abnormalities identify according to the ISCN.
- Investigate and troubleshoot test results and system failures.
- Work with electrophoresis experiments (preparing the gels).
- Contribute in identifying and resolving minor issues with company LIS.
- Experience utilizing genetic biomarkers to tag target DNA from urothelial cells.
- Discuss medical cases with the group establishing a link with biochemistry.
Molecular technologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Molecular Technologists are proficient in Clinical Laboratory, Next-Generation Sequencing, and Molecular Biology. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Math skills, and Observation skills.
We break down the percentage of Molecular Technologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Clinical Laboratory, 11%
Have working knowledge of equipment, instrumentation, and materials used in the Clinical Laboratory.
- Next-Generation Sequencing, 10%
Participated in the development and validation of new Next-Generation sequencing- and fragment analysis-based molecular tests.
- Molecular Biology, 7%
Achieved primary objective of utilizing molecular biology techniques to screen for bladder cancer markers obtained from patient urine specimens.
- CLIA, 6%
Follow the standard and newly added laboratory procedures and maintained compliance with OSHA, CLIA and safety risk management guidelines.
- Extraction, 6%
Performed various molecular extraction procedures as needed by the experimental design.
- Specimen Handling, 4%
Communicate to supervisors and manager for proper specimen handling and manage unprocessed specimen and others in receiving and send out department.
Most molecular technologists use their skills in "clinical laboratory," "next-generation sequencing," and "molecular biology" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential molecular technologist responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a molecular technologist to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what molecular technologists do because "communication skills are critical for agricultural and food scientists." Additionally, a molecular technologist resume shows how molecular technologists use communication skills: "worked with several different computer systems for ordering tests, faxing results, and communications. "
Math skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling molecular technologist duties is math skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "agricultural and food scientists, like many other scientists, must have a sound grasp of mathematical concepts." According to a molecular technologist resume, here's how molecular technologists can utilize math skills in their job responsibilities: "performed quantitative pcr analysis of jak2 v617f mutation in about 700 chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (mpn) patients using taqman technology. "
Observation skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of molecular technologists is observation skills. This skill is critical to many everyday molecular technologist duties, as "agricultural and food scientists conduct experiments that require precise observation of samples and other data." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provided close observation and care as directed by the rn to prevent patients from wandering or potential injury. "
The three companies that hire the most molecular technologists are:
- Foundation Medicine13 molecular technologists jobs
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings10 molecular technologists jobs
- NYU Lutheran Medical Center5 molecular technologists jobs
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Compare different molecular technologists
Molecular technologist vs. Laboratory associate
A laboratory associate's responsibilities revolve around preparing test samples and subjecting them into different examination processes for scientific purposes. Aside from performing extensive analysis, they are also responsible for recording data, reviewing findings, collaborating with other scientists, and producing various reports and presentations. A laboratory associate can work for an institution or private company; they may also choose to contribute their studies in different publications and research activities. Furthermore, as a laboratory practitioner, it is essential to adhere to all the laboratory safety policies and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, molecular technologist responsibilities require skills like "clinical laboratory," "molecular biology," "extraction," and "rt-pcr." Meanwhile a typical laboratory associate has skills in areas such as "patients," "phlebotomy," "chemistry," and "customer service." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Laboratory associates earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $43,992. On the other hand, molecular technologists are paid more in the education industry with an average salary of $61,543.On average, laboratory associates reach lower levels of education than molecular technologists. Laboratory associates are 7.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Molecular technologist vs. Laboratory aide
A laboratory aide is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while performing support tasks for scientists. Their duties revolve around arranging specimens and samples, transporting materials from one laboratory to another, preparing apparatuses and machines, and storing them accordingly. A laboratory aide may also run errands, produce progress reports, sanitize areas and instruments, and properly dispose of chemicals and other hazardous waste. Furthermore, it is crucial to implement the laboratory's safety policies and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy laboratory environment for everyone.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that molecular technologist responsibilities requires skills like "clinical laboratory," "next-generation sequencing," "molecular biology," and "clia." But a laboratory aide might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "phlebotomy," "cleanliness," and "data entry."
Laboratory aides may earn a lower salary than molecular technologists, but laboratory aides earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $31,856. On the other hand, molecular technologists receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $61,543.In general, laboratory aides achieve lower levels of education than molecular technologists. They're 11.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Molecular technologist vs. Laboratory monitor
The primary job of laboratory supervisors is to oversee the daily operations of laboratories. They are responsible for facilitating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of laboratory results. Other responsibilities include supervising personnel, managing the operating budget of the laboratory, and hiring employees. Laboratory supervisors are responsible for overseeing quality assurance and enforcing practices to ensure quality control within the laboratory. Aside from these tasks, they also manage the acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies and resolve any technical or administrative issues within the laboratory.
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 technologist resumes include skills like "clinical laboratory," "next-generation sequencing," "molecular biology," and "clia," whereas a laboratory monitor is more likely to list skills in "lab computers," "adobe photoshop," "indesign," and "adobe creative suite. "
When it comes to education, laboratory monitors tend to earn lower degree levels compared to molecular technologists. In fact, they're 9.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Molecular technologist vs. Laboratory supervisor
Types of molecular technologist
Updated January 8, 2025
