How to become a Molecular and Cellular Biologist

Molecular cell biology is a branch of biology, which is a relatively new field compared to other fields of study. Cellular and molecular biology is an evolving interdisciplinary field, which aims to link varied fields of chemistry, structure, and biology. Molecular and Cellular Biologists are responsible for studying and researching the structure, properties, processes, and functions of cellular molecules and organelles.

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. Molecular and cellular biologists typically perform research and maintain accurate laboratory records and data. Create, execute or oversee and analyze molecular or cellular laboratory experiments. This field is often closely linked with biochemistry, in which the chemical reactions of biological molecules are looked at.

• Maintain accurate laboratory records and technical and scientific database
• Design experiments, supervise their execution, and interpret results
• Accumulate and examine experimental data and modify experimental designs as necessary
• Conduct research on cell organization and function, comprising mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bio-informatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation
• Teach, supervise, and mentor technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows
• Perform laboratory procedures like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis
• Direct, manage, organize, or prioritize laboratory activities
• Prepare reports, documents, and presentations
• Check and operate specialized equipment like gas chroma-tographs and high pressure liquid chroma-tographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers
• Develop research methods that monitor cell characteristics
• Assess new technologies to enhance or complement current research
• Provide scientific direction for the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models
• Devise guidelines for procedures for the management of viruses
• Gauge new supplies and equipment to ensure operability
• Authenticate the planned use of all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or projects
• Conduct research aimed at developments in areas of disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste
• Participate in the development of bio-product like proposing new products, conducting market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches
• Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results
• Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary
• Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bio-informatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation
• Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows
• Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.

• Along with understanding how to operate and set up complex laboratory machinery, molecular and cellular biologists should value precision and be comfortable working with equipment that requires careful monitoring.
• They tend to be investigative, intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive individuals. They are curious, methodical, scientific, rational, and analytical. They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively while maintaining the quality of work.
• They must follow exact instructions so that the tests or procedures are performed correctly. They need to be skilled with their hands and work closely, safely, and effectively with needles, chemicals, and other laboratory instruments.
• They must also practice all standard safety procedures and quality control principles in the laboratory and understand and abide by legal and health care procedures.
• Molecular and Cellular Biologists should be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, their research processes and findings. They usually work in or lead research teams and must be able to motivate and direct other team members, thus, interpersonal skills are necessary.
• In order to conduct and monitor scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision, Molecular and Cellular Biologists must have excellent observational skills and be detail-oriented in their approach. Because research involves trial and error, students will need to be patient and not grow discouraged during their work. They will also need to be creative in their thinking.
• They need to have logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to find solutions to complex scientific problems and draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and judgment.

·      Colleges and universities

·      Engineering consulting firms

·      Environmental consulting firms

·      Federal, provincial/state/territorial, and municipal government departments

·      Non-governmental organizations

·      Research institutions