We surveyed 1,318 molecular biologists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical molecular biologist. Here are the results.
Can I learn to become a molecular biologist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a molecular biologist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a molecular biologist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a molecular biologist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for molecular biologists.
Do molecular biologists work full-time or part-time?
81% of molecular biologists work in full-time roles while 19% work part-time.
Is being a molecular biologist stressful?
Low
High
Molecular biologists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a molecular biologist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a molecular biologist.
How competitive is the workplace for molecular biologists?
Low
High
Molecular biologists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a molecular biologist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for molecular biologists.
Are molecular biologists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Molecular biologists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do molecular biologists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Molecular biologists tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a molecular biologist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a molecular biologist is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are molecular biologists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Molecular biologists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a molecular biologist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a molecular biologist.
Does being a good molecular biologist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassionate and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a molecular biologist.