Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Sample of reported job titles: Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
Write grant applications to obtain funding.
Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
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.
Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
Participate in all levels of bioproduct development, including proposing new products, performing market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches.
Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements.
Design databases, such as mutagenesis libraries.
Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software -
AcaClone pDRAW32; Agilent CGH Analytics; Agilent Technologies GeneSpring GX; Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST; Blast Output Browser BOB; ClustalW; CRI-MAP; Delila; EnzymeX; FASTA; FASTLINK; Gene Recognition and Assembly Internet Link GRAIL; Genotyping software; Geospiza GeneSifter; GraphPad Software GraphPad Prism; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Magma Design Automation software; Mendel; Michigan State University MSU ProFlex; Minitab; NetPrimer; PHYLIP; Primer3; RasMol; Textco BioSoftware Gene Inspector; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Wolfram Research Mathematica
Object or component oriented development software -
C++ 🔥; Python 🔥; R 🔥
Office suite software -
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Office software 🔥
Presentation software -
Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
Spreadsheet software -
Microsoft Excel 🔥
Word processing software -
Microsoft Word 🔥
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
Record research or operational data.
Plan biological research.
Write grant proposals.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
Analyze biological samples.
Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
Read documents to gather technical information.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Direct scientific activities.
Evaluate new technologies or methods.
Direct medical science or healthcare programs.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
Research crop management methods.
Establish standards for medical care.
Develop biological research methods.
Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs.
Manage scientific or technical project resources.
Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Develop new or advanced products or production methods.