Education/Training Required: All molecular biologists must at least earn a bachelor’s degree in a related science field. Required courses usually include cell biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, general chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, molecular biology, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra. Most jobs for molecular biologists require a doctoral degree. During college, students may want to participate in science-related activities, or consider joining a school science-fair or club. Getting a job as a laboratory assistant in a research laboratory may also be helpful. Molecular biologists may also want to consider postdoctoral work when considering a research career. Daily Activities/Responsibilities:
The field of molecular biology studies macromolecules and the macromolecular mechanisms found in living things. Molecular biologists design molecular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interprets the results. Molecular biologists conduct research on mechanisms of gene expression, cell differentiation, cell signaling, cellular bioinformatics, and other areas. Molecular biologists direct, organizes, prioritize, or coordinate biological lab activities.
Biology Research Paper: In Vitro Fertilization.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), is the procedure whereby human babies are conceived, not in the womb but in a test tube or a Petri dish. This procedure has become one of the greatest developments in the world of medical technology. In Vitro Fertilization has given infertile couples the chance to conceive and bear a child from a full term of pregnancy. Without this procedure, their infertility would ...
Molecular biologists must prepare reports, manuscripts, and meeting presentations. Molecular biologists also perform laboratory procedures following protocols including cloning and extraction, gel electrophoresis, ribonucleic acid purification, or deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing. Salary Range:
The average median wage for a molecular biologist in 2011 was $70,790. The projected growth of molecular biologists from 2012-2020 is expected to be around 3%-9%. Molecular biologists can earn up to as much as $95,000 or more. A molecular biologist’s salary can vary greatly due to company, industry, location, experience, and benefits.
A molecular biologist with less than one year of experience earned a median yearly salary of $21,000 to $49,355. With five to nine years of experience, the range increases between $44,699 and $68,748; with over 20 years of experience, the salary range is $61,020 to $97,854 per year. Self Reflection:
I’m not completely sure that I am truly interested in pursuing this career. The career of molecular biology itself seems appealing, but I do not think that I would have the patience to become a molecular biologist. The salary, too, is very low until you earn more experience in this field of biology; however, the salary is somewhat higher than most other careers in the medical field.
