How to Become a Molecular Biophysicist: Career Path Guide
If you want to become a molecular biophysicist, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a molecular biophysicist:
Those who become molecular biophysicist are curious about biological processes and enjoy logically solving complex problems. Molecular biophysicists must also be manually dexterous in order to utilize specialized equipment and conduct experiments, while also enjoying working with numbers and computers.
If you’re interested in becoming a molecular biophysicist, you’ll need to know how to become one. Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a molecular biophysicist. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Required to Become a Molecular Biophysicist
To get an entry-level job in molecular biophysics, such as that of a laboratory technician, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics or biology, bioengineering. Employers also typically require entry-level candidates to have some experience in a laboratory as well, which can be gained from schoolwork or an internship program.
Pursuing coursework in mathematics and computer science is very helpful for careers in molecular biophysics, as they allow students to acquire skills, knowledge and competencies in complex data analysis.
To work in applied research or product development positions, you typically need a master’s degree with a focus in molecular biophysics. If planning to attend graduate school, consider taking courses in the humanities or social sciences during your undergraduate years, as many graduate schools will require them for admission.
To work as an independent scientist, an aspiring molecular biophysicist needs a Ph.D. They must also continue their education throughout their careers, in order to keep up with advancements in the field.
Molecular Biophysicist Job Description
Molecular Biophysicists research and study the physical principles of living cells and organisms, including their electrical and mechanical energy, and other related phenomena.
Molecular Biophysicist Job Duties
• Use atomic isotopes to research the transformation of substances in cells
• Investigate damage to cells caused by nuclear particles and x-rays
• Research the manner in which plant and animal characteristics are passed down to successive generations
• Research the dynamics of hearing and vision
• Study special configuration of sub-microscopic molecules
• Analyze the functions of learning, thinking and memory in human and animal brains, as well as in artificial intelligence systems
• Studies absorption of light by chlorophyll in photosynthesis or by pigments of eye involved in vision
Who Hires Molecular Biophysicists?
Organizations that hire molecular biophysicists are typically found in private industry, the public sector, education and research, these organizations include:
• Colleges and universities
• Private research laboratories
• Federal and state/provincial government agencies
• Medical centres
• Nanotechnology companies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Bioengineering companies
Why Are Molecular Biophysicists Important?
The work of molecular biophysicists helps solve problems in fields such as medicine. For example, their discoveries allow us to gain an understanding as to the molecular basis of diseases such as sickle cell anemia and AIDS. An increase in knowledge in these areas creates an ability to design treatments and cures for these and many other diseases.
The work of molecular biophysicists also leads to an increase in understanding in other areas of science, such as bioengineering and biotechnology. For example, by understanding how proteins fold and accelerate chemical reactions, biotechnologists can design proteins to solve certain problems, such as digesting crude oil and toxic wastes.
Molecular Biophysicist Salary: How Much Do They Earn?
The salary level of molecular biophysicists can vary greatly depending on factors such as their level of education, their level of experience, the responsibilities of their job, where they work, and many others.
Molecular Biophysicist Salary Alberta: According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Biologists and Related Scientists occupational group, which includes molecular biophysicists, earned on average from $26.73 to $62.00 an hour.
Molecular Biophysicist Salary Canada: According to Statistics Canada, the average salary for workers in the Biologists and Related Scientists occupational group is $56,406 per year. In this occupational group, over 55% of the workers earn over $50,000 per year.
Molecular Biophysicist Jobs United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary level for workers in the Biochemists and Biophysicists occupational group is $79,390 per year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,050, and the top 10 percent earned more than $142,420 per year.
Careers Similar to Molecular Biophysicist
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to Molecular Biophysicist, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a molecular biophysicist.
Occupations in Alberta: “Physicist.” (March 31, 2019). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
Life, Physical, and Social Science: “Biochemists and Biophysicists.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
Career Profiles: “Biophysics Jobs.” (n.d.). Physics Today - American Institute of Physics website. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
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Scholarships for Becoming a Molecular Biophysicist
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Molecular Biophysicist can be found on our Biology Scholarships and Physics Scholarships pages.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Molecular Biophysicist: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a molecular biophysicist. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
