The job market for molecular biologists in the United States

There are currently an estimated 60,400 molecular biologists in the United States. The molecular biologist job market is expected to grow by 3.8% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are molecular biologists?

CareerExplorer rates molecular biologists with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 7,900 molecular biologists. That number is based on 2,300 additional molecular biologists, and the retirement of 5,600 existing molecular biologists.

Are molecular biologists in demand?

The employment outlook and demand for molecular biologists is rather bleak. The principal reason behind this is that there is a glut of molecular and cell biology Ph,D.s in the market. This is especially true in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The current occupational environment means that to find jobs in their area of expertise, most of these Ph.D. holders will have to complete post-doctorate studies and publish high-impact papers. Such a commitment, while perhaps enticing from an educational perspective, imposes further financial burden, delays professional advancement, and confirms the high level of competition facing molecular biologists. The pharmaceutical industry, which has historically been a major employer and funder of research in the field, is experiencing layoffs and thereby exerting additional negative pressure on this career. These factors are forcing many aspiring molecular biologists to accept and remain for significant periods of time in roles related to, but beneath their completed level of study. Most opportunities tend to be in research laboratories with consulting firms and universities. Among the professional organizations and associations recommended to these biologists are the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society of Cell Biology, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, RNA Society, and Biophysical Society.

What’s the supply of molecular biologists?

The molecular biologist industry is concentrated in California, Massachusetts, Maryland

Molecular Biologist job market by state