Molecular Biologist
18AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST63%
NOT A FORECAST63%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologists study how life works at the tiniest level - looking at genes, DNA, and proteins. They do lab work that helps develop new medicines, understand diseases, and improve crops and food.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
The role
As a Molecular Biologist, you spend your days in a laboratory working with microscopes, test tubes, machines, and computers. You design experiments to answer specific questions about how living things work - maybe: how does this protein fold? What does this gene do? Can we edit this DNA to fix a disease? You run the experiment, collect the results, and use maths and software to work out what they mean.
You work in hospitals, universities, or biotechnology companies, often as part of a team with other scientists. You need to be precise - one mistake in how you prepare a sample or measure a result can waste weeks of work. But you also need to be curious and creative, to think of new ways to test an idea. You read lots of scientific papers, discuss findings with colleagues, and write up your results so other scientists can learn from what you have found. The work is detailed but can lead to breakthroughs that help treat disease or improve people's lives.
Daily responsibilities
- Conduct experiments to analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins using advanced laboratory techniques.
- Design and implement research projects to explore genetic functions and interactions.
- Utilize bioinformatics tools to interpret complex biological data and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems.
- Present findings through detailed reports and presentations to stakeholders and the scientific community.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Stay updated with the latest scientific literature and advancements in molecular biology.
Does a degree help here?
A UK degree in biological sciences or a related field provides a robust foundation in research methodologies and critical thinking, essential for a successful career in molecular biology. UK universities are renowned for their cutting-edge research facilities and strong industry connections, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.