Details Report for:
19-1029.02 - Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Education | Wages & Employment
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Design databases such as mutagenesis libraries.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Monitor or operate specialized equipment such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphoimagers.
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, and meeting presentations.
- Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
- Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
- Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements.
- Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
- Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
- Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
- Participate in all levels of bio-product development including proposing new products, performing market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches.
- Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
100   |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 72 |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 61 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 33 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 6 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
| 0 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 83 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 81 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 78 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 78 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 56 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 33 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Education
Education data collected from Biological Scientists, All Other.
Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
| 95 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
| 5 |
Some college |
| 0 |
High school or less |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Life Sciences — Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology; Molecular Biology
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Biological Scientists, All Other.
Employment data collected from Biological Scientists, All Other.
| Category | Occupation Information |
|---|---|
| Median wages (2008) | $31.29 hourly, $65,080 annual |
| Employment (2006) | 29,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) | 7,000 additional employees |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2006-2016 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.