Molecular Biologist
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Biological ScientistCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for biological scientists, including botanists, physiologists, and zoologists. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in the sciences.
DNA InteractiveLearn about the history of DNA science, unlock the DNA code, and discover science that transformed biology at this interactive website. Click on “applications,” and you can learn about the many investigative techniques molecular biologists use to solve issues related to healthcare or insight into the human species.
Molecular Biology GatewayWeb resources for molecular biology, genomics, protocols, and microbiology are all found at this portal, including recommended reading, journals, genetics information, microorganisms, and laboratory testing procedures. After each encyclopedic entry, you will also find a variety of additional Internet resources for the topic.
Princeton Review: BiologistFind out about a day in the life of a biologist at this page, as well as links to information on facts and figures about the career, majors that might be useful in advancing your position as a biologist, and what you can expect to earn in the field as a person just starting out and after several years. Links at the left of the page will take you to further information on salary, job outlook, and training information.
Occupational Titles
Molecular Biologist
Biologist
Cell Biologist
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Researcher
Cytologist
Electron Microscopist
Genetic Engineer
Geneticist
Research Analyst
Research Biologist
Research Scientist
Scientist
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, BiologistSeveral college majors may be appropriate as precursors to a career in the biological sciences, including anatomy, agriculture, genetics, and many more. Find a list of them at this site, click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Molecular BiologistClick on this link to find the median salary of a molecular biologist at the table here. Scroll further down the page, and you will find very similar information on salary according to the city employed in or employer type.
Salary of a BiologistCombining information on many different types of scientists, this fact sheet includes the source entry, a result, and summarized information on the salary of marine biologists, biological scientists, microbiologists, and jobs for graduates with a B.S. in biology.
Professional Organizations
American Institute of Biological SciencesDiscover the scientific association dedicated to the advancement of biological research, and the research, education, and scientific programs it provides. A page at this site is dedicated to providing information on careers in biology, while other subsites offer publications and news, online social networking, and meeting details. Student chapters are organized, with information on how to start your own and sample resources for students.
American Society for MicrobiologySearch the site to locate departments on publications, meetings, awards, grants, and education. Constituent groups of this organization include high school students, college students, and post-doctoral scientists. If you are in high school, you will find microbiology career information that discusses careers and other resources. Undergraduate students will find information on travel grants, a science education network of mentors, and college funding opportunities to earn advanced degrees in sciences.
Federation of American Societies for Experimental BiologyMany publication resources are available from the menu at the top of this page, in addition to current news in the field of experimental biology at the home page. Career resources have their own separate department, and a link exists to a list of societies that are currently participating in the Federation. Each organization has its own benefits, and you might want to go to their separate home pages to learn more.
Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyResearch labs and scientists are at the core of this institute, which studies cell biology and related fields. Click on the newsroom, outreach programs, courses, opportunities, and achievements of its members.
Job Opportunity Sources
American Institute of Biological Sciences: Careers in the Biological SciencesAnswers to frequently asked questions about biological careers are found at this site, as well as a link to careers in biology information and a separate classified ad section.
Indeed.com: Molecular BiologistSeveral hundred career listings are collected at this single resource, which provides a repository of opportunities from several large job databases and private employers
Publications
Current Issues in Molecular BiologyThis molecular biology publisher provides papers of all types on molecular biology and molecular microbiology topics. Go to “online access” to find tables of contents, access to abstracts, and complete full-text articles right here.
NatureFind the latest news in the field of biological sciences at the headlines here, with excellent news and information in the field all available from your laptop. The Nature network is filled with blogs, forums, and people to connect with, and the online publication can be browsed by popular biological topics.
Nature Structural and Molecular BiologyJournal content includes the current issue, archives, advanced online publication, and focuses and supplements to this molecular biology resource. An article of the month is available at no cost, as well as the some free material that focuses on current research of interest to the molecular biology community.
Science MagazineFind career information, as well as scientific research and news, at this online version of Science Magazine. A current online issue is offered that provides a multimedia department where you can listen to podcasts, find images and slides, or view videos on such topics as gene regulation. View previous issues by subject or explore special features of the publication.
SmithsonianIf you are interested in biology, you will find many departments at the Smithsonian online magazine to keep you busy, including the science and nature section. You can explore feature articles, anthropology and behavior, the environmental sciences, and wildlife.
Online Forums & Blogs
American Institute of Biological Sciences: Online Social NetworkingThe American Institute of Biological Sciences has created networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn that any interested person can join. Services are free and include Facebook main groups and coalition groups that the Institute supports, including Diversity in Biological Sciences and the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science. If you do not already have one, simply create a Facebook account to get started.
Career Videos
Iseek: BiologistsWatch a video about the jobs of biological scientists, including the various life processes behaviors and diseases they study, as well as the structures of life forms they are interested in. Find out the difference between "basic" and "applied" research, as well as the tasks that all biologists have in common. You can also click on related links to work activities, skills, preparation, wages, jobs, and certifications in the field.
Video Interview with Fred SangerThis archive of video lectures by top scientists includes this interview with Fred Sanger, the father of modern molecular biology. Listen to him talk about his early career and how he first became interested in molecular biology research.
