Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Meet the Writer: O*NET Occupational Analysts
Annual Salary
$93,330/ year
Median wage · BLS🇺🇸 USA
What You'll Actually Do
The core tasks and responsibilities that fill a typical day.
- Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
- Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
- Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
- Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
- Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
- Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
- Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
- Write grant applications to obtain funding.
- Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.