Molecular Biologist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Molecular Biologist

Best Schools to become a Molecular Biologist in U.S. 2024

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:37%
Graduation Rate:86%
Total Enrollment:39,679

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

In-State Tuition:$17,454
Out-of-State Tuition:$56,941
Admission Rate:18%
Graduation Rate:93%
Total Enrollment:51,225

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:2,354

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

In-State Tuition:$57,410
Out-of-State Tuition:$57,410
Admission Rate:6%
Graduation Rate:97%
Total Enrollment:8,842

Boston University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$61,050
Out-of-State Tuition:$61,050
Admission Rate:14%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:36,714

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

In-State Tuition:$16,437
Out-of-State Tuition:$42,427
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:82%
Total Enrollment:50,023
Molecular Biologist Job Description:
  • Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.
  • May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.
  • May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Molecular Biologist

Job Duties for Molecular Biologists

  • Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.

  • Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.

  • Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.

Technologies and Skills Used by Molecular Biologists

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Minitab

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Graphics software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Molecular Biologist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Molecular Biologist

FAQs About Becoming a Molecular Biologist