Entry Level Qualification 

Graduate

Career Fields 

Education & Teaching

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

CUET PG, ICAR PG

About Career 

1. Molecular Biologists research and study the structure, components, and functions of the basic unit of life i.e. cells. Molecular Biologists try to understand the cells which are made up of thousands of molecules and how these molecules interact with other molecules; how they evolve; what are the functions of these molecules; as well as how various complex biological processes take place in humans, animals, plants, or microorganisms.

2. As a Molecular Biologist, you would be involved in studying and analyzing the various types of cell organelles which include the nucleus, Ribosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria etc. You would study each of these organelles; how they are structured; what are the functions; how co-dependent they are and so on.

3. Not only you would study these cell organelles but also about how they are further composed of complex biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates; how these are composed and what role do they place in the entire functioning of the cell. In short, you would analyze how these biological molecules perform together to function as cells which are further performing a particular function within the body.

4. Before we get into the details of what does a Molecular Biologist research on, below is a brief description of a few types of cell organelles and their functions.

5. Nucleus is also usually referred to as the command center as it stores the cell’s DNA. The nucleus performs all the major functions of the cell such as growth and metabolism by using the DNA’s genetic information. In the inner centre of the nucleus, there is a small structure called the nucleolus in which RNA resides. With the help of RNA, the DNA orders the rest of the cells and completes the process of protein synthesis.

6. Ribosomes are the carriers of cells’ proteins and are usually found moving freely in the endoplasmic reticulum. When ribosomes are contacted by two different types of RNA, they synthesize a wide range of proteins which are crucial for cell’s survival.
The endoplasmic reticulum is the membrane which is slightly attached/connected with the nucleus and functions in manufacturing proteins.

7. When the proteins manufactured by endoplasmic reticulum are needed to be modified they are then sent to the Golgi apparatus. Golgi apparatus is also composed of folded membranes just like the endoplasmic reticulum and searches for the amino acids and modifies them accordingly. These processed proteins are then stored in the Golgi or are sent to other parts of the cell.

8. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and are oval-shaped organelles. They are usually found in eukaryotic cells and serves to transform molecules like glucose into ATP- which is a type of energy molecule also called adenosine triphosphate. ATP then channelizes cellular processes by breaking its high-energy chemical bonds.

9. Eukaryotic cells are organisms whose cells’ nucleus is walled within the membranes.

Now let us understand what would you as a Molecular Biologist research on and how?

Conduct Laboratory Experiments

As a Molecular Biologist in order to understand the complex structure and functions of the biological molecules, you would perform experiments in a laboratory in which you would explore and analyze cells and molecules individually. For example testing a specific protein, DNA sequencing*, orcloning*to understand how these cellular and molecular components function, coordinate and interact with each other in certain conditions. For your ready reference a few important terms- DNA sequencing, Monomer units, and cloning are discussed below:

DNA sequencing is the process of determining the order of nucleotides which are the molecules consisting of nucleoside and phosphate group. These groups are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA i.e.these molecules function as the monomer units* for forming nucleic acid polymers deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Monomer units are the basic unit for polymers that create proteins.

Cloning is the process of producing genetically identical individuals. Cloning can be done naturally or artificially. In biotechnology, cloning is related to the process of creating copies of cells and DNA fragments.

Study and analyze the experimental research data to develop insights

As a Molecular Biologist, after conducting lab experiments you would then study the data collected to the understand complex biological processes such as how the biological processes affect and influence the disease mechanisms; how these molecular fragments function and drive enough energy to perform certain functions; how evolution takes place; how aging impacts these processes and so on.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a Molecular Biologist you will be engaged with one or more of the following roles and responsibilities:

1. You would perform routine molecular diagnostic tests and experiments according to protocols,

2. You would design, set up, and execute experiments related to analysis of molecular biology /metabolic engineering.

3. You would be overseeing genetic variations and gene expression in different species to determine how things are passed from one generation to another.

4. You would be performing laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning, and extraction, or ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification.

5. You would be involved in developing new methods to diagnose and treat diseases.

6. You would test the effectiveness of drugs used for treating different diseases and gene growth.

7. You would be involved in extracting DNA and RNA from cells and tissues and examine the sequence of DNA to look for differences such as likeliness to have a disease or cause to be resistant to the disease.

8. You would design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.

9. You would also be involved in maintaining accurate and timely records of laboratory work.

10. You would also evaluate data, prepare technical reports and make scientific presentations of the experiments.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics or similar field – Master of Science in Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics or similar field – PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, then you can go for a degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics or similar field. After graduation you need to pursue a degree in Master of Science in Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics or similar field followed by a PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor’s degree in Life Science/ Biomedicine/ Cell and Molecular Biology/ Bioinformatics/ or similar field – Master’s degree in Life Science/ Biomedicine/ Cell and Molecular Biology/ Bioinformatics/ or similar field – PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you can go for a bachelor’s degree in Life Science/ Biomedicine/ Cell and Molecular Biology/ Bioinformatics/ or similar field. After graduation you need to pursue a master’s degree in Life Science/ Biomedicine/ Cell and Molecular Biology/ Bioinformatics/ or similar field followed by PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – B.Sc. in Molecular/ Cellular Biology or similar field – Start working at entry level position as a biological technician/ lab technician in biotechnology industry or similar field of work – M.Sc. in Molecular/ Cellular Biology or similar field – PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you can then go for B.Sc. in Molecular/ Cellular Biology. After graduation you can start working at entry level position as a biological technician/ lab technician in biotechnology industry or similar field of work. After few years you can pursue more advanced degree by studying M.Sc. in Molecular/ Cellular Biology or similar field followed by a PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – MBBS – MD in Molecular Medicine/ Cell Biology/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Pharmacology/ Pathology/ Physiology or similar field – PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you can pursue MBBS. After MBBS you must go for MD in Molecular Medicine/ Cell Biology/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Pharmacology/ Pathology/ Physiology or similar field followed by a PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy/ Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology or similar field – Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology or similar field – PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies you must go for Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy/ Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology or similar field. After graduation you can then go for Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science/ Pharmaceutical Technology/ Epidemiology or similar field followed by PhD in Molecular/ Cell Biology or similar scientific discipline.*Please note that you need to appear for and qualify Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) and score at least 85 percentile in order to be eligible for a PhD.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - BE/B.Tech. Degree in Biotechnology or any Bioengineering discipline – ME/M.Tech. Degree in Biotechnology or any Bioengineering discipline – PhD in Molecular Biology/ Cell Biology or similar discipline

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you can then go for BE/B.Tech degree in Biotechnology or any Bioengineering discipline. After graduation you need to go for ME/M.Tech. degree in Biotechnology or any Bioengineering discipline followed by PhD in Molecular Biology/ Cell Biology or similar discipline. *Please note that you need to appear for and qualify Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and score at least 85 percentile in order to be eligible for PhD.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

To become a Molecular Biologist, you have to study in one or more of these fields during your Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral level. Please note that you may not find courses in all these fields in the Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral level. Some fields offer courses in Master’s / Doctoral level only

1. Animal Biochemistry

2. Animal Biotechnology

3. Animal Genetics & Breeding

4. Bio Nanotechnology

5. Biochemistry

6. Biochemistry & Biophysics

7. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

8. Bioinformatics

9. Biophysics

10. Biotechnology

11. Cell & Tissue Engineering Sciences

12. Cell Biology

13. Cellular and Molecular Biology

14. Cellular and Molecular Physiology

15. Chromatin Biology

16. Computational Biology

17. Genetic Engineering & Genomics

18. Genetics

19. Genomic Medicine

20. Genomics

21. Human Genetics and Medical Biotechnology

22. Medical Biochemistry

23. Medical Bioinformatics

24. Medical Biophysics

25. Medical Biotechnology

26. Medical Epigenomics

27. Medical Microbiology

28. Medical Pharmacology

29. Medical Physiology

30. Microbial Biotechnology

31. Microbiology

32. Molecular Biology

33. Molecular Genetics

34. Molecular Medicine

35. Molecular Oncology

36. Molecular Pathology

37. Molecular Physiology

38. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

39. Pharmacogenomics & Genetics  

40. Plant Biochemistry

41. Plant Biotechnology

42. Plant Breeding & Genetics

43. Plant Genetic Resources

44. Plant Microbiology

45. Plant Molecular Biology

46. Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

47. Protein Structure and Function

48. Proteomics

Compentencies Required

Interest

1. Investigative: You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem-solving.

2. Realistic: You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment. 

Knowledge

1. Biological Sciences: Knowledge of plants and animals, their anatomical structure, cell structure, tissues, physiological functions, evolution, and all other related aspects.

2. Chemical Science: 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, toxicity, production techniques, and disposal methods.

3. Physical Science: Knowledge of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understand fluid, material, earth, ocean, atmosphere, and space dynamics, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic and subatomic structures, properties, and processes.

Skills

1. Active Learning: Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.

2. Coordination: Skills in working together with other people to get things done.

3. Critical Thinking: Skills in analysis of complex situations, using of logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

4. Judgment and Decision Making: Skills in considering the pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; taking appropriate and suitable decisions.

5. Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.

6. Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

7. Scientific: Skills in using various scientific rules and methods to get things done or solve problems.

Abilities

1. Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic

2. Inductive Reasoning: The ability to combine pieces of information from various sources, concepts, and theories to form general rules or conclusions. For example, analyzing various events or situations to come out with a set of rules or conclusions

3. Information Ordering: The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

4. Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

5. Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

6. Written Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand

Personality

1. You are somewhat organised in your day-to-day life and activities.

2. You are somewhat careful about your actions and behaviour.

3. You are imaginative sometimes.

4. You prefer to experience new things and have new experiences sometimes.

5. You act independently sometimes but do not do so in some other times.

6. You are always practical or in most situations.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

As a Molecular Biologist, you may find work in:

1.Scientific research institutions such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, National Centre of Biological Sciences (NCBS), Indian Institute of Science, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Hyderabad, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science &Technology (AIST), National Centre for Cell Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, etc.

2. Medical colleges and medical research institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Sri Ramachandran Medical College and Research Institute, etc.

3. Institutions/ universities under CSIR for research in Molecular and Cell Biology such as Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB),Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Central Drug Research Institute, etc.

4. Autonomous institutions and PSUs under Department of Biotechnology*such as National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, National Centre for Cell Science,  Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited, Biotech Consortium India Limited, etc.

5. Pharmaceutical/ Drug/ Medicine manufacturing corporations such as Sun Pharmaceutical, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Lupin, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. etc.

6. Biotech companies such as Biocon Ltd, Bharat Biotech, Brain Wave Biotechnology Ltd, etc.

Department of Biotechnology is an Indian Government Department and comes under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The DBT is known for administrating development and commercialization in the field of modern biology and biotechnology.

As a Biochemist/ Biophysicist, at the beginning, you may find the job opportunities as follows:

1. After a Master’s degree, as a (i) Doctoral Fellow (while doing a Ph.D.) or as a (ii) Research Associate

2. After a Ph.D. as a – (i) Post-Doctoral Fellow or as a (ii) Research Scientist/ Scientist

3. In research organizations/companies – Mostly after a Ph.D. as a Scientist or after a Post-Doctoral Fellowship as a Scientist. Some opportunities do exist as a Research Associate after Master’s degree.

4. In university departments and medical colleges, as an Assistant Professor after Ph.D.

5. In CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology or similar institutions, as Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and Project Fellow

Specialisation Tracks In This Caree

Molecular Biologist (Plant)

Plant Molecular Biologists are involved in the research and study of biological activities of the biomolecules in the plant cells. The study focuses on plant biology and the interactions at molecular level such as DNA, RNA, proteins etc.

Molecular Biologist (Animal)

Animal Molecular Biologists are involved in the research and study of animals at the molecular level. The research focuses on a comparative study of the genomes of various animals; how they reproduce; how they evolve and so on.

Molecular Biologist (Marine)

Marine Molecular Biologists are involved in the study and research regarding the exploration of marine life at molecular level; how marine animals evolve and procreate; how metabolism takes place and other biological processes.

Molecular Biologist (Biochemistry)

Biochemists and Molecular Biologists are involved in the research and study of biomolecules, structural and functional biology, clinical and medical biochemistry immunology, biochemical pathways and mechanisms, genetic studies and so on.

Molecular Biologist (Forensic)

Forensic Molecular Biologists are involved in the research and study of human and mitochondrial DNA. The study focuses on molecular technique’s such as DNA profiling and sequencing, origin of genetic polymorphisms and how they are maintained; DNA isolation methods, evidence preparations etc.

Molecular Biologist (Evolution)

Evolutionary Molecular Biologists are involved in the study and research of the changes in composition of cellular molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins across generations. The Biologists in this research area study and understand origins of new genes, the genetic nature of complex traits, the genetic basis of speciation, evolution of development and much more.

Molecular Biologist (Neuroscience)

Neuro-molecular Biologists are involved in the study and research of the nervous system. The study focuses on the molecular behaviour and processes of neurons and examines the structure of the complex system; how it functions and develops.

Career Growth

After completing master’s you would start working as a Research Associate.

After Research Associate you will grow as Senior Research Associate. There is no scope of growth unless you complete PhD. In some corporate organizations you may find roles as Biochemist in which you may progress as Junior Biochemist and then as a Senior Biochemist.

Research Associate – Senior Research Associate

After completing masters, you may also join as a Junior Research Fellow and then become a Senior Research Fellow

Junior Research Fellow – Senior Research Fellow

If you want to work in the field of scientific research in institutes or universities, you may progress as:

Scientist – Senior Scientist – Principal Scientist –Senior Principal Scientist – Director/ Chief Scientist

If you want to work in the field of teaching at university/institutions, you may progress as:

Assistant Professor – Associate Professor – Professor – Dean/ Director

Salary Offered  

1. As a Research Associate, (after completing M.Sc. in Life Science/ Biomedicine/ Cell and Molecular Biology or similar field) you may get a stipend of around Rs.20, 000 – 30,000 per month.

2. As a Junior Research Fellow (after completing a master’s degree) you may get a stipend of around Rs. 35,000 per month.

3. As a Senior Research Fellow (after 1-2 years of experience as a Junior Research Fellow) you may get around Rs. 38,000 per month.

4. As a Post-Doctoral Fellow (after completing PhD) you may get around Rs. 40,000 – 45,000 per month.

As per 7th CPC,

1. As a Scientist, you will earn around Rs.78, 825 to Rs.1, 17,129 per month.

2. As a Senior Scientist, you will earn around Rs. 97,241 to Rs.1, 43,525 per month.

3. As a Principal Scientist, you will earn around Rs.1, 12,004 to Rs.1, 56,692 per month.

4. As a Senior Principal Scientist, you will earn around Rs.1, 69,593 to Rs.2, 45,669 per month.

5. As a Chief Scientist, you will earn around Rs. 2, 50,000 - Rs. 3, 06,450 per month.

If you begin your career in teaching and research,

1. As an Assistant Professor Grade-II: Rs.67, 700 Rs.1, 03, 881 per month.

2.  As an Assistant Professor Grade I: Rs.1, 01,500 to Rs.2, 04,700 per month.

3. As an Associate Professor, you will earn around Rs.1, 39,600 to Rs.2, 11,300 per month.

4.  As a Professor, you will earn around Rs.1, 44,200 to Rs.2, 24,100 per month.

Monthly Earnings In Indian Rupee

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience 

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience 

3. Mid-Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience 

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Information not available.

Work Activities 

1. Analyzing and interpreting data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision making.

2. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large

3. Decision making and problem-solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

4. Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

5. Providing advices and consultation to others: Giving advices or consultation to others about various issues, conceptual matters, know-hows, scientific matters, products or services.

6. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

7. Inspecting situations, events, and people: Inspecting situations, events and people to understand the reasons and causes for the situation or events to happen; inspecting people to understand reasons behind their behavior and actions.

8. Training and teaching: Understanding educational and training needs of others, developing training programs and educational programs, conducting training programs, teaching and instructing others.

9. Working in a team: Working in a team of people; developing team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.