Molecular biologist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work weekends and evenings
- Usually work in laboratories, offices, universities and research institutes and may travel
- May work in hazardous conditions involving chemicals
- Need to be accurate, methodical and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Study living cells and molecules
- Analyse biological samples
- Record research and data results
- Plan biological research
- Research microbiological processes and structures
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Write proposals and applications
- Teach science to students
- Review scientific papers
Outlook
Molecular biology is advancing rapidly through developments in genomics, biotechnology, precision medicine and artificial intelligence. In New Zealand and internationally, researchers are using molecular tools to better understand diseases, improve diagnostics and support the development of new treatments. Growing use of genomic technologies and bioinformatics is expected to continue expanding the impact of this field across healthcare and scientific research.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong scientific and analytical thinking
- Curiosity and a desire to investigate complex problems
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to interpret and communicate data
- Adaptability to new technologies and methods
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.