| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Monitor or operate specialized equipment, such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Maintain accurate laboratory records and data. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Write grant applications to obtain funding. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste. |
Doctorate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Doctorate Degree, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Doctorate Degree, and % with 1 year experience (or less).
These entry-level roles welcome new doctorate holders moving from academic study into research, clinical, or professional practice. For recent graduates seeking their first position that matches years of advanced training. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new doctoral graduates.
Here is a short Helper Video 
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Doctorate Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Doctorate Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Ph.D. Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with a Doctorate Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Doctorate Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Doctorate Degree. - 27 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Doctorate Degree) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Molecular and Cellular Biologists.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Molecular and Cellular Biologists" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Description: Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Molecular and Cellular Biologists":
Core Duties
Supplemental Duties
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements. |
| Importance: 85 (%) | Description: Design databases, such as mutagenesis libraries. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: 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. |
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 85 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 85 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Analyze biological samples. | |
| Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details. | |
| Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs. | |
| Develop biological research methods. | |
| Develop new or advanced products or production methods. | |
| Develop technical or scientific databases. | |
| Direct medical science or healthcare programs. | |
| Direct scientific activities. | |
| Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel. | |
| Establish standards for medical care. | |
| Evaluate new technologies or methods. | |
| Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning. | |
| Instruct college students in physical or life sciences. | |
| Manage scientific or technical project resources. | |
| Operate laboratory or field equipment. | |
| Plan biological research. | |
| Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding. | |
| Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations. | |
| Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy. | |
| Read documents to gather technical information. | |
| Record research or operational data. | |
| Research crop management methods. | |
| Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures. | |
| Supervise scientific or technical personnel. | |
| Write grant proposals. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: 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 methods. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: 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. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: 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. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: 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. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Analyze biological or chemical substances or related data. |
| Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details. |
| Activity: Design databases. |
| Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards. |
| Activity: Develop research plans or methodologies. |
| Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities. |
| Activity: Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies. |
| Activity: Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance. |
| Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Operate laboratory or field equipment. |
| Activity: Prepare proposals or grant applications. |
| Activity: Present research or technical information. |
| Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes. |
| Activity: Research agricultural processes or practices. |
| Activity: Research biological or ecological phenomena. |
| Activity: Supervise personnel activities. |
| Activity: Teach academic or vocational subjects. |
Software Skills
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Analytical or scientific software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The MathWorks MATLAB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Access | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| File versioning software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Git | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adobe Illustrator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C++ Python R | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Word | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mathsoft Mathcad | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA libraries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite Molecular Devices Corporation MetaMorph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internet browser software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Web browser software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corel WordPerfect Office Suite |
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed |
| 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. |
| 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). |
| Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training. |
| These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians. |
Education Required
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 34.6 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 34.6 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Doctoral Training |
| Frequency of Attainment: 23.1 (%) | Level of Education: Doctoral Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 7.7 (%) | Level of Education: Master's Degree |
Training and Experience Required
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 30.8 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
| Frequency of Attainment: 15.4 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 15.4 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 11.5 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 11.5 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 7.7 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 3.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 3.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Certifications
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Embryology Laboratory Scientist
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Molecular Diagnostics
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Specialist in Molecular Biology
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Technologist in Molecular Biology
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Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Molecular and Cellular Biologists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Molecular and Cellular Biologists
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
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