Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Advancement for molecular and cellular biologists depends on the individual's level of education. Those with a doctorate may teach in colleges, conduct independent research, and hold top-level administrative and management jobs. Those with a master's degree may work in applied research. Biologists with years of experience in the field may advance to become project chief, directing teams of biologists. They may leave positions in laboratory settings for administrative and management jobs in corporations. Those that develop professional expertise move from technical assignments into roles in which they interpret biological knowledge.

As in other sciences, biologists that become known for their specialized knowledge may take on more complex projects, working with professionals in other major fields to explore problems that require an interdisciplinary approach, such as biochemistry, biophysics, biostatistics (or biometrics). Biochemistry, for example, uses the methods of chemistry to study the composition of biological materials and the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. Biologists also advance by writing articles for academic journals and becoming lecturers and speakers at industry and academic conferences and educational events.