How to become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist

Official title: Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Also called: Molecular Biologist, Research Scientist

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

Main 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.

How to become one

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Ways in

• College: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 26 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $98,920 a year The middle half earn $76,800 to $127,670.
• About 59,600 people work in this job now, and about 62,400 are projected by 2035. (+4.7%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Related jobs

• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Microbiologists
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
• Bioinformatics Scientists
• Geneticists
• Biologists

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees.

How much does a Molecular and Cellular Biologist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $98,920 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $76,800 to $127,670.

Is a Molecular and Cellular Biologist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 59,600 to about 62,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Molecular and Cellular Biologist?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.