We surveyed 1,116 molecular biologists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical molecular biologist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a molecular biologist?
Low
High
Working as a molecular biologist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that molecular biologists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
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 biologists 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 compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a molecular biologist.