Molecular and Cellular Biologists Go Back to List Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Analytical or scientific software

Tasks
	Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
	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.
	Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
	Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
	Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
	Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements.
	Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
	Prepare reports, manuscripts, and meeting presentations.
	Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
	Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.

Skills
	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Knowledge
	Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Search for Jobs on Connecticut's Labor Exchange (CTJOBcentral)
	(Please note that some searches may not produce any results.)

Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).   Related Experience:   Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

Browse Through a List of Businesses That Employ People With Your Same Skills
	Potential Employer Search

Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $112,670.00 $54.18  $35.22  $39.94 - $64.93  Bridgeport/Stamford $125,163.00 $60.18  $41.04  $40.24 - $66.89  Hartford $105,941.00 $50.94  $35.36  $40.27 - $53.27  New Haven $107,437.00 $51.65  $34.32  $37.97 - $61.70  New London/Norwich $102,504.00 $49.28  $32.10  $37.13 - $57.72

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   40   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than average, but the number of annual openings will offer somewhat limited job opportunities.

Related Occupations
	Biochemical Engineers
	Soil and Plant Scientists
	Biologists
	Biochemists and Biophysicists
	Microbiologists
	Geneticists
	Epidemiologists
	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.