Description
Investigate DNA, RNA, and proteins to elucidate gene function and regulation, and apply molecular techniques to advance research, diagnostics, and biotechnology.
- • Verify that financial, physical, and human resources for molecular research projects are used as planned.
- • Contribute to bioproduct development (e.g., assays, diagnostics, therapeutics) from concept and market analysis to experimental validation and launch support.
- • Evaluate new reagents, kits, and instruments for suitability in molecular biology workflows.
- • Develop and enforce biosafety and procedural guidelines for recombinant DNA, gene editing, and viral vector work.
- • Coordinate molecular research efforts with scientists in genomics, bioinformatics, chemistry, and related fields.
- • Confer with vendors to assess equipment or reagents and customize products to meet laboratory requirements.
- • Supervise research staff, technicians, and postdoctoral fellows.
- • Provide scientific direction on the selection and handling of nucleic acids, vectors, gene-editing tools, and model systems for in vitro and in vivo studies.
- • Perform molecular techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, sequencing, CRISPR editing, and gel or blot analyses.
- • Operate and maintain specialized equipment, including thermocyclers, real-time PCR systems, next-generation sequencers, electrophoresis units, and HPLC or LC-MS as needed.
- • Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, electronic records, and data repositories.
- • Instruct and mentor students and staff in molecular biology methods and best practices.
- • Evaluate and integrate new technologies (e.g., NGS, genome editing, automation, bioinformatics pipelines) to enhance research.
- • Plan, organize, and prioritize molecular laboratory activities and project workflows.
- • Develop and validate molecular assays to detect, quantify, and characterize genes, transcripts, variants, or proteins.
- • Design and manage sequence and variant databases, including mutagenesis or expression libraries.
- • Design molecular experiments, oversee execution, and interpret results to test hypotheses.
- • Compile, analyze, and visualize molecular data; refine experimental designs based on findings.
- • Investigate mechanisms of gene expression, genome organization, regulatory networks, and protein-nucleic acid interactions.
- • Conduct applied molecular research to improve disease testing, therapeutics, crop traits, and microbial bioprocesses.
- • Write grant applications and manage funded project reporting requirements.
- • Prepare and review technical reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
