Molecular and Cellular Biologists
People classed as Molecular and Cellular Biologists research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. The skills rated most useful are science, reading comprehension, and writing. A regular part of the work is to maintain accurate laboratory records and data. The strongest interest signal is Investigative (6.7 of 7), then Conventional (5.1) and Realistic, which gives it the code ICR. Getting in usually takes graduate school and often five years or more of related experience, a level O*NET calls extensive preparation. You may also need to design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results. People who want research, analysis and working through hard problems usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.
What they do
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Main tasks
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Write grant applications to obtain funding.
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
Skills
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
- You are comfortable relying on science and reading comprehension.
May not suit you if
- You lose interest when a job asks for long stretches of analysis.
- You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 2.0 out of 7 here.
- You want to be working in the field within the next few years.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ICR takes the three highest, and Investigative comes first here.
Preparation
Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Molecular Biologist
- Research Scientist
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.