Molecular Biologist

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Work Tasks

• Study the inside of cells, how illness develops, and search for ways to improve life
• Look for new ways to test for or cure disease
• Study the origin of plants, animals, and humans using genetic information
• Change crops so they are stronger against frost, drought, spoiling, disease, and pests
• Work for federal, state, and local governments, hospitals, research and testing labs, and colleges and universities
• Work with molecules and cells, living things, microscopes, dyes, stains, and cultures, test tubes and lab equipment, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $66,500 average per year ($32.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (18,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in molecular biology
• Employers Prefer: A master's or Ph.D. degree
• Skills/Courses: College course in biology, chemistry, math, physics, and computer science.