Overview
Molecular biology is a broad field, overlapping many other disciplines. Molecular biology examines the interactions of different parts of the cell, including the study of DNA, protein synthesis and the regulation of cell processes. Because of the field’s wide applicability, molecular biologists can apply their skills in a variety of research applications.
Company Websites
One of the simplest ways to find research job openings is to check the websites of organizations that employ molecular biologists, such as biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical firms and universities. Many companies post job openings and accept resume submissions through their websites. You can find these companies though specialty job websites such as BioSpace and ClinicaSpace (see Resources).
Professional Societies
Professional organizations often provide resources for job seekers. For example, the website of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) offers a career resources section. You can search job openings from a wide range of levels and job sectors, submit your resume and even receive job alerts for openings that meet your criteria. Professional societies also publish job openings in their print journals.
Attend Conferences
Not only are professional conferences great places for networking and keeping up with the latest research, you may find your next job. Larger conferences offer career and placement resources and may provide a location for on-site interviews. Even if the conference does not include a job fair, it is a great place to collect contacts and inquire about current and future job opportunities.
University Resources
If you are still in school, take advantage of your university’s career counseling and placement services. Your professors and mentor can help you identify potential openings through their network of contacts. Take advantage of opportunities to meet visiting professors in your field of study; those contacts may lead you to future opportunities. Seek work-study or internship opportunities in molecular biology while you are working toward your degree; that practical work experience will give you a significant advantage over other new graduates.
Resume and Interview Tips
If you are applying for a laboratory technician job, emphasize your work experience, any papers you have published and analytical techniques you are familiar with. Technicians are the “hands” of the research laboratory, and lab directors are primarily seeking someone with technical proficiency and the ability to work well with the rest of the research team. For higher-level jobs, the hiring process is more complex. Research scientists are judged on the quality of their previous research work, presentation skills, people skills and ability to obtain research funding.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
ClinicaSpace: Clinical Research News and Jobs
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
