Molecular biologist job description: discover a fascinating career

Do you know what a molecular biologist does and where these scientists can carry out their work? Keep reading to find out all the details about this exciting career path.

Molecular biologist job description: What does a molecular biologist do?

Simply put, we can say that the molecular biologist is a professional who is dedicated to the study of the processes related to living beings from a molecular point of view.

In this sense, the work of molecular biologists focuses mainly on macromolecules such as DNA, RNA or proteins, to name only a few of the most important.

Therefore, the field of molecular biology has connections with areas such as genetics, medicine, cytology or biochemistry, among many others. As such, molecular biologists have access to a wide range of professional options and are part of an outstandingly dynamic field today.

The history of molecular biology

Looking back into the origins of molecular biology, names like Darwin or Mendel come up. Without a doubt, the work of Darwin related to evolution and genetics laid the foundations for the future development of this field of knowledge.

Based on these important precedents, as well as the work of scientists such as Miescher, Levene and many others, the term molecular biology was coined around 1938. But there was still much to be done. As such, research carried out by James Watson and Francis Crick in relation to the double helix in DNA represented a great step forward in the history of molecular biology.

In fact, it was Crick himself who articulated the fundamental dogma of molecular biology: ‘DNA directs its own replication and transcription to form RNA that acts as a complement to its sequence; RNA is translated into amino acids to form a protein’.

From the 1970s until the present moment, there’s been a spectacular development regarding molecular biology. New discoveries in basic research and the application of new technologies derived from information technology have contributed significantly to the progress of this specialized field.

In addition to this, as we said, its connections with other scientific fields have multiplied the practical applications of molecular biology and the related job opportunities for professionals. Thus, the achievements of molecular biology range from allowing us to know the origin of a multitude of diseases, to making it possible to trace the history of various species, among many other achievements.

Job opportunities related to the molecular biologist job description

Considering the multitude of practical applications of this field of knowledge, job opportunities for molecular biologists are also very broad. So what does a molecular biologist do? In other words, where can a molecular biologist work?

Well, among many other options, it’s possible to mention the following:

• Research on molecular biology, either at a basic level or a more applied, focused level. In this sense, the molecular biologist can be involved in research work in both the public and private sectors, in different areas of specialization and with different levels of responsibility.
• Molecular biology applied to the health sector. As we said, the medical field is one of those that can benefit the most from progress in molecular biology.
• Chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Among the different types of professionals working in both these sectors, we must highlight the role of molecular biologists. Thus, both their particular vision and the specific knowledge they provide are very valuable in processes such as the development of new drugs.
• Teaching. Without a doubt, university teachings can also be a really interesting option for a molecular biologist. By affinity, scientific dissemination can also be included here, which is a professional opportunity not always considered a part of the work in this field.

What to study to be a molecular biologist

If your starting point is a degree in a related area (for example, in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, etc.), the best option is to specialize in molecular biology through a master’s or postgraduate degree.

As such, CEMP’s Master’s in Molecular Biology, accredited by the UCAM, is a great option. Thus, in addition to the efficiency and comfort of this course’s online classes, this master’s degree stands out for offering you a thorough syllabus that prepares you to work as a molecular biologist in different areas of activity. You’ll be able to study molecular biology online!

In a very brief way, these are the main contents that are covered by the master:

• Module 0. Basic concepts. The aim here is to become familiar with (or at least remember) basic laboratory techniques, information search systems and other introductory aspects.
• Module 1. Nucleic acid analysis and manipulation technologies. Fundamentally, the object of study in this module are the contents directly related to DNA and RNA, as well as their analysis and management in molecular biology.
• Module 2. Technologies for the analysis and manipulation of proteins. This includes issues such as the structure and function of proteins, analysis techniques, etc.
• Module 3. The molecular biology of the cell. In this module, you will study aspects such as microscopy techniques, markers, cell cultures, etc.
• Module 4. Bioinformatics applied to molecular biology. Undoubtedly, bioinformatics is one of the most dynamic and interesting fields within molecular biology. Here, you will study the different analysis techniques and procedures that facilitate the application of informatics to this field of science.
• Module 5. Safety in the laboratory. Finally, the master’s degree finishes by looking at risk analysis and safety standards in a molecular biology laboratory.

Get specialized training at CEMP

Now that you know more about the molecular biologist job description, including some of their main areas of work, does this sound like an interesting profession to you? If so, surely this master’s degree can help you complete your training and make your way into a fascinating professional career. Don’t you think?

Get in touch with us to find out more about the specialized master’s degree!