Summary 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 | Wages & Employment
Tasks
- 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.
Interests
Interest code: IRA
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Work Values
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Biological Scientists, All Other.
Employment data collected from Biological Scientists, All Other.
| 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.