Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.

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 bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.

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.

Prepare reports, manuscripts, and meeting presentations.

Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.

Monitor or operate specialized equipment such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.

Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.

Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.

Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.

Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.

Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.

Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.

Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.

Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.

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.

Design databases such as mutagenesis libraries.

Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements.