Molecular and Cellular Biologists

• Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
• Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
• Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
• Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, and meeting presentations.
• Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
• Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
• Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
• Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
• Monitor or operate specialized equipment such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
• 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.
• Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
• 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Molecular and Cellular Biologists.

• 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.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• 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.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Molecular and Cellular Biologists.