What does a molecular biologist do?
As a molecular biologist, you can work in a variety of fields, both in the private and public sectors. Below, you will find examples of companies and industries you can work in as well as duties and responsibilities that may be part of your future job. You will also find a list of possible professional titles.
A career in molecular biology
What companies and industries can a molecular biologist work in?
Examples of workplaces in the private sector:
- Biotechnology companies
- Diagnostic companies
- Life science companies
- Food companies
- Pharmaceutical industry
Examples of workplaces in the public sector:
- Clinical and diagnostic laboratories
- Government agencies and authorities
- Universities and colleges
- Schools if you have a teaching qualification.
What kind of job duties and responsibilities can a molecular biologist have?
As a molecular biologist, you can work with, for example:
- Laboratory and research work
- Analysis and sampling
- Handling and administration
- Project management, planning and coordination
- Information and advice
- Investigation
- Business management
- Education and teaching
- Product development
- Quality assurance
- Marketing and sales
Professional titles for molecular biologists
Examples of professional titles that our former students have:
- Analyst Environmental Auditing
- Development Engineer
- Director Industrial Relations
- Embryologist
- Laboratory Engineer
- Forensic Laboratory Technician
- Manager of Strategic Partnerships
- Quality Control Analyst
- Quality Coordinator
- Quality Manager
- Researcher
- Research Assistant
- Research Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Head of Medical Affairs
- Consultant Manager
- Lead Application Scientist
- Process Manager
- Quality and Regulatory Management Representative
- Section Leader
- Senior Advisor
Your education – starting point for your career
Tailor your education and create a unique profile on the job market
At the University of Gothenburg, you can tailor your education in molecular biology according to your own interests and ambitions. You can either deepen your knowledge in your field or broaden your knowledge by adding other (natural science) subjects to your curriculum. This enables you to create a unique interdisciplinary degree, letting you stand out on the job market.
Some examples:
- You can combine the various subjects within molecular biology and create a unique profile within life science. With your specialist knowledge in the field, you can, for example, work with antibiotic resistance.
- You can combine your studies in molecular biology with other subjects such as communication, law, economics, leadership, or entrepreneurship. With your unique interdisciplinary profile, you can, for example, work as a science journalist or with development and management of companies in the life science area.
Attractive skills for the job market
During your education, you will develop many skills that are attractive to future employers.
Some examples:
- Ability to take in information
- Ability to critically analyze and effectively solve problems
- Ability to clearly present and communicate results
- Ability to write scientifically
- Ability to work in projects, both in groups and individually
- Ability to collaborate
- Accuracy
