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Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeModerate pressure

What they do

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $98,920 Median per year · $47.56/hr Most earn $60,430–$168,010

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
  • Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
  • Design databases, such as mutagenesis libraries.
  • Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
  • Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.

Job outlook

United States
5% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 4,300 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Federal government, excluding postal service35.4%
  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences25.9%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools10.8%
  • Management, scientific, and technical consulting services4.8%
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing3.7%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

This is not an entry-level job. Most people need a doctoral degree and about 1 to 2 years of related lab work first, so the full path usually takes many years of school and training. You can start working in a lab with a bachelor's degree and build toward it.

  1. Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry

    4 years

    You learn cell and molecular basics and lab methods, which are the foundation for graduate research.

  2. Research Laboratory Technician

    1-2 years

    You run experiments, prepare samples, and keep careful records under a scientist's guidance, which builds the hands-on skills and experience graduate programs and employers look for.

  3. Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in molecular and cell biology or a related field

    Several years

    You design and carry out your own research project, usually ending with a dissertation, and you learn to lead independent scientific work.

  4. Molecular and Cellular Biologist

    Ongoing

    You study cell molecules and organelles to understand how cells work and are organized, often in universities, research institutes, or companies.

Where it can lead

  1. Biochemist

    2 to 4 years of experience first

    You move toward studying the chemical processes of living things, often with more responsibility for leading projects and securing funding.

  2. Medical Scientist

    6 to 8 years of experience first

    You focus on research that links cell biology to human disease and treatments, usually taking on larger, more senior research roles.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, chemistry, and math coursesA strong science foundation prepares you for college-level cell and molecular biology.
  • Join a science club or science fairDesigning experiments and presenting results builds the research habits used in this career.
  • Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, or community labSeeing how labs and research work in real settings helps you decide if this path fits you.
  • Look for a summer job or volunteer role in a science settingAny lab, greenhouse, or research-related job teaches careful work and following procedures.
  • Read science news and articles about cell researchStaying curious about how cells work helps you explore what questions you might want to study later.

In college

  • Major in biology, biochemistry, or molecular biologyThese majors include cell biology, genetics, and lab courses that directly prepare you for graduate research.
  • Work as a research assistant in a campus labHands-on lab experience is one of the most valuable things you can have before applying to graduate programs.
  • Take extra lab and statistics coursesData analysis and lab technique are used in almost every molecular biology project.
  • Attend seminars and join a biology or pre-research student groupYou'll meet scientists, hear about current research, and learn how graduate programs work.
  • Build relationships with professors and ask about research opportunitiesStrong recommendation letters from faculty are important when applying to doctoral programs.

Tips for getting started

  • Get real lab experience early. Ask a science teacher or a local university professor about shadowing, volunteering, or assisting with research.
  • Keep strong grades in biology, chemistry, and math, since graduate programs look closely at your science foundation and lab skills.
  • Practice writing clearly and presenting your work. Scientists spend a lot of time writing papers, grant proposals, and sharing results with others.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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