Life, Physical & Social Science
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Also called: Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist
US median pay
$98,920
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
4,300
59,600 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Instructing3.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
- Operations Analysis3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
Knowledge
- Biology4.8/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Chemistry4.1/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Education and Training3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-doctoral training35%
- Bachelor's degree35%
- Doctoral degree23%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.